Thuram announces retirement!

[Pat Murphy]

Medical detects heart problem for France star

Thuram: Shocked by discovery

Lilian Thuram's proposed move to Paris Saint Germain is on hold after a routine medical detected a heart problem.

The capital club had called a press conference for Friday, where it was expected the signing of Thuram would be announced.

However, to the surprise of the press in attendance, Thuram revealed that a heart problem had scuppered his switch from Barcelona, where he had not been offered fresh terms.

"I'm holding this press conference, unfortunately it's not to announce my becoming a PSG player," said Thuram.

"But to tell you that that the doctors have detected a heart problem.

"It seems that it is the same problem that my brother had and which cost him his life on the basketball court."


Complete surprise

The 36-year-old was completely unaware of the problem after medical tests two years ago, when he signed for Barcelona, had revealed no sign of it.


"It's a complete surprise to me," added Thuram. "I hope that everything will continue as before."


PSG coach Paul Le Guen admitted it was a big blow but did not rule out signing the former France captain in the future.


"I'm disappointed for him," he said. "It's a real shame. But we're just going to have to wait and see."


Thuram will wait until the full results of his test, which should take about a month, before deciding whether to call time on his 17-year career.

SkySports.com

Sky Sports | Football | Primera Division | Barcelona | Thuram deal on hold


Considering his brother died because of this a few years ago I hope he takes the safe option and retires. He's leaving Barcelona on a free but the decision is up to him on whether he wants to play on or retire.

[D-Kin]

Well he's having more tests but I'd imagine he will have to retire or else he'll be risking his life.

It's such a shame, what a player.

[D-Kin]

Thuram heart defect stuns Juve Saturday 28 June, 2008

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Nobody was more shocked at hearing of Lilian Thuram’s congenital heart defect than Juventus’ medical staff.

The former Bianconeri and Parma defender revealed on Friday that a potentially lethal enlarged heart had been discovered during a routine medical as he prepared to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.

He said that “something” had been noticed when he was a youngster at Monaco, but he had always been cleared to play.

“Juventus never spotted anything,” said chief of medical staff Riccardo Agricola.

“Thuram was always clear to play according to our tests. It is possible the signs of this malformation only manifested themselves after he left Juve.”

The 36-year-old played 192 matches with the Bianconeri from 2001 to 2006 before he was sold to Barcelona.

Thuram also took part in Euro 2008 with France, playing two full games.

The defender confirmed during a Press conference that this heart defect ran in his family and his brother died from it while playing basketball.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Pat Murphy]

Thuram has said that if the doctors say he is fully safe to continue then he will continue playing.

The decision sort of rests with those medical results now.

[Trim]

Thuram has announced his retirement from the game today.

Frankreichs Ex-Kapitän Thuram beendet Fußballer-Karriere - transfermarkt.de