Charlie Wyke tribute to quick-thinking Wigan staff after suffering heart attack

Wigan Athletic striker Charlie Wyke has paid tribute to manager Leam Richardson and club doctor Jonathan Tobin for saving his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest in training.

The 28-year-old left hospital on Thursday, 10 days after the episode during a training session at the club's training base.

He was immediately attended to by Richardson and Tobin, before being rushed to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan and later transferred to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

The player's shock heart attack was the third high-profile footballer to have suffered health complications in the space of a week.

Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck had to be taken to hospital after collapsing during his side's win at Reading while FC Sheriff Tiraspol striker Adama Traore went to ground clutching his chest during his side's Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

Fleck has subsequently returned to Blades training this week while Wyke has outlined his ambitions of returning to training in the New Year - but he must first rest while his recovery continues.

The striker has undergone subsequent tests and monitoring by expert medics along with the club's medical staff, and he has been fitted with an implantable defibrillator to aid his recuperation.

In an open letter to supporters, published on the club's website, Wyke said: "First and foremost, I just want to stress my sincere appreciation to the Club's medical staff and the NHS staff who have cared for me after I was taken into hospital last week.

"In particular, I would like to mention Dr. Rob Cooper from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for everything he has done for me over the last week or so.

"I feel it's important to tell my story to our supporters and to the wider public, because my life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Leam Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life.

"As you are aware, I collapsed during training on Monday. I suffered a cardiac arrest and required CPR, and I am told it was only the quick response of the gaffer to initiate the resuscitation process and then the continuation from the Doc that saved my life.

"I will be forever grateful that due to their actions - and those of my teammates and other staff - I am here to talk to about the experience.

"Thankfully, just a few weeks ago, the training ground staff had received CPR training, which has clearly proven to be life-saving with the way in which the gaffer reacted to my collapse and initiated the CPR on the training pitch.

"I think that sends out a message of just how important it is that coaches and staff have that training.

"The support from my teammates over the last few days has been incredible; the gesture to celebrate with my shirt at Plymouth just goes to show what a top group of lads we have here at Wigan.

"I've heard the fans singing my name when I've been watching the games from hospital too, which has been amazing to hear - I'm really thankful for that support.

"I have received thousands of messages from supporters of all of the Clubs I have played for, the wider football community and beyond, and the well-wishes have meant the world to me and my family.

"It was a real boost for me to see the photo of my former teammates at Sunderland wishing me well - a class touch from a great set of lads.

"I'm looking forward to going home to my son, partner and friends and family for the next few days.

"I can't wait to get back to the training ground next week to see the lads, where I will start some light training that begins the process of hopefully being able to get back to full training with the team next year.

"Thank you for all of the support. Charlie".

Wyke has enjoyed prolific scoring stints with Carlisle United and Bradford City in the Football League, while he bagged 42 goals in three seasons with Sunderland before joining Wigan this year.

The incident follows on from Sergio Aguero's health complications for Barcelona - forcing the former Manchester City striker to be ruled out of action for at least three months.

This summer's European Championships were overshadowed by Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen's traumatic collapse in his nation's opener against Finland - the Inter star has yet to play since.

Earlier this month, Icelandic midfielder Emil Palsson, 28, suffered a cardiac arrest during a Norwegian second division match.