Fabrice Muamba gives inspirational talk to pupils (From Enfield Independent)

Fabrice Muamba gives inspirational talk to pupils at Edmonton school

12:41pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Pupils were treated to an inspirational talk from Fabrice Muamba today who talked about his journey from school to professional football.

Every year of Aylward Academy, in Windmill Road, Edmonton, had a talk with the former Bolton FC player, who spoke to pupils about his life from coming to the UK at the age of 11 to becoming a footballer.

He discussed the importance of education in his life, especially after the events at White Hart Lane when the midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during an FA Cup quarter final.

He said: “I loved being a footballer but now I really want to focus on spreading the word around schools and telling young people about the importance of a good education.

“On the day of the attack, I was fine. It was just a normal day, but then I felt a bit dizzy and the next thing I remember was being in the hospital.

“The response and support I got from people around the world was incredible and it has really made me the person I am today.”

Mr Muamba took questions from pupils about his time as a footballer and his time at school where he achieved ten GCSEs A to C after moving to the country when he was 11-years-old.

He told the group: “To be a footballer takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and concentration, which are all things you need in school and when you study.”

Vice principle Chris Lamb said: "I think Fabrice shows our pupils how important it is to have a good education to fall back on no matter what you do in life.”