In mid-December, Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch – not for the first time. Despite a heart operation, the Luton captain is not thinking of retiring
Fighter’s heart despite a weak heart. That’s how Tom Lockyer (29) could be described. Despite a cardiac arrest, heart surgery and two collapses on the pitch – most recently during the abandoned game at Bournemouth in mid-December – the defender and captain of promoted Premier League side Luton Town is not thinking of quitting.
Lockyer makes it clear: Doctors have the last word
Lockyer confirmed this on the sidelines of Luton’s game against Manchester United (1-2). The 16-time Wales international told Sky that he would “love” to return. However, Lockyer made it clear in the same breath: “I’m not going to do anything against the doctors’ advice.”
It is still “far too early to set a timeframe or make a decision”. On top of that, Lockyer’s upcoming childbirth has priority; his girlfriend is seven months pregnant.
Neither Lockyer’s girlfriend nor his unborn child would want to see anything happen to the 29-year-old again. The Luton captain suffered a cardiac arrest in the aforementioned match at Bournemouth and was taken to hospital after receiving emergency treatment on the pitch
One particularly worrying fact
“I was really lucky that it happened where it did,” Lockyer clarified. There had been no signs earlier in the day that anything might be wrong. “It was just a normal day, that’s probably the most worrying thing about it. I was trying to find answers, but I was fine.”
The full truth is that Lockyer had already collapsed during the crucial promotion match against Coventry City last May – also off the ball – and only returned to match action after undergoing heart surgery in the summer. After suffering another cardiac arrest, he had a defibrillator fitted.
“Grateful” Lockyer lives with defibrillator
“I can’t deny it’s been a tough few months. But I’m doing well,” said the defender. “I’m incredibly grateful to be alive. “
