Former Aston Villa Player Charles N'Zogbia Could Face Early Retirement After Discovery At Nantes Medical

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Former Aston Villa and Newcastle midfielder, Charles N’Zogbia could be forced into an early retirement after a heart condition was found during a medical at Ligue 1 side Nantes earlier this week, 90min reports.

The 30-year-old left relegated Aston Villa this summer after his contract expired at the Midlands club.

He was set to join Nantes on Monday after flying to France to undergo a medical, but a rare heart condition was discovered, meaning that he may need to finish his career early.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the initial results were inconclusive with a ‘debate among specialists to determine whether it will prevent him from continuing his career at the highest level.’

Heart problems have been a common concern in modern day football after ex-Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s heart stopped during a Premier League game with Tottenham.

Muamba had to be revived on the White Hart Lane pitch, prompting his retirement from senior football.
Nine years before that, former West Ham and Manchester City player Marc-Vivien Foe died on the pitch after collapsing following an undiagnosed heart problem.

N’Zogbia played just two times for Villa last season in a campaign which saw his side relegated from the English top-flight.

He racked up 281 Premier League appearances during his career, with spells at Newcastle, Wigan and most recently Aston Villa.