Fabrice Muamba has been discharged from hospital, Bolton Wanderers have confirmed, with the midfielder expressing his gratitude to the medical staff as he continues to recover.

Muamba was taken from the pitch to the hospital when Bolton took on Tottenham on March 17 in the FA Cup quarter final. The match was abandoned as he suffered a cardiac arrest, and support poured across the football world as he was in a critical condition.

It was revealed after the ordeal that Muamba's heart had stopped working on it's own for 78 minutes, and the fact that he is walking now and can leave hospital has shocked doctors, who thought he may be in need of care for a lot longer.

Fabrice Muamba
Bolton Wanderers release a picture of Muamba with Dr Andrew Deaner and Dr Sam Mohiddin of the Barts Health NHS Trust. http://www.bwfc.co.uk/

"I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff at The London Chest Hospital who have played a part in my care," he said in a statement on the official Bolton website.

"Their dedication, professionalism and expertise is simply amazing and I will forever be in their debt. I also wish to say thank you to all the many well-wishers who have sent thousands of messages of support.

"Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family."

Owen Coyle added: "It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted.

"We would also like to add our thanks to the staff at The London Chest Hospital for their care and treatment of Fabrice, which has been outstanding.

"It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy."

London