Former Senegal midfielder and English Premier League veteran Cheikhou Kouyaté has made a shocking revelation about his health. As it turns out, the footballer played at the highest level throughout his professional career while dealing with a congenital heart condition. This information came to light following the player's candid interview with Walfadjri TV, which caused a major stir in the sports world.
Medical oversight and risks at Premier League clubs
According to Kouyaté himself, the medical staffs of clubs such as West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest were well aware of his diagnosis. The player underwent regular in-depth medical examinations approximately every six months, during which doctors recorded certain abnormalities in his cardiac activity. Despite this, the midfielder continued to take to the pitch, signing special insurance documents and voluntarily accepting all potential risks to his life and health.
Symptoms and consequences of physical strain
The intense match schedule and high physical demands took their toll under extreme conditions. Symptoms were particularly aggravated during games played in high temperatures or at significant altitudes. During such moments, the athlete felt characteristic tingling in his chest area lasting about five minutes. After the final whistle, the situation worsened with severe muscle cramps that could afflict the footballer for up to 24 hours. To continue his career, Kouyaté hid these issues even from his family and the medical staff of the national team.
Ending his career in Belgium
The turning point in the player's professional career occurred this summer. Belgian side Anderlecht, where the Senegalese player achieved his greatest club successes, offered the 36-year-old midfielder a contract combining playing duties with a transition into coaching. However, a thorough medical examination at the Belgian club resulted in a categorical ban from the club doctor against any further appearances on the pitch. Kouyaté leaves behind nearly 300 Premier League appearances and four Belgian league titles.
