Aussie footballer retires at 21 due to heart problem
Former Sydney FC midfielder Chris Naumoff has walked away from the game due to a heart problem.
The 21-year-old Olyroo was cut by the Sky Blues at the end of this year’s A-League season, but recently signed a three-year deal with Spanish Segunda Division club CD Numancia.
But a mandatory medical assessment with his new club revealed an abnormality of his heart, which was diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a condition that puts athletes at risk of cardiac arrest.
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“I intend to stay involved with the game of football in one way or another, and hope my example can change the lives of athletes and set a precedent to better testing and awareness for the future and the wellbeing of all athletes,” Naumoff said in a statement.
“How long this condition has affected me is unknown, and how this condition was not discovered during my time as a professional in Australia is a question for another day.”
Naumoff made 44 appearances for Sydney FC, featuring in its Asian Champions League campaign this year.
He also played for Australia at underage levels.