Manuel Almunia Retires

Manuel Almunia, who was set to join the Italian side Cagliari as a free agent this summer has announced his retirement after a heart condition that can could have a fatal outcome, was detected during a normal check-up that the veteran keeper underwent. The former Arsenal number one, who was released by the Championship club Watford after his two year stint, is now set to hang up his Gloves.

Cagliari confirm the news

“I can confirm that Manuel Almunia failed a medical due to a heart condition,” said Cagliari’s spokesman Alessandro Steri. “Further tests done have revealed he is suffering from an apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [HCM].”

The Professional Footballers’ Association confirmed Almunia will not play again. The PFA stated on Twitter: “Manuel Almunia has had to retire after being diagnosed with a heart condition. All at the PFA wish him well for the future.”

Almunia joined Arsenal back in 2004 from Celta Vigo, Manuel made more than 175 appearances and kept 70 clean sheets in his eight seasons for the Gunners.

We would like to wish Manuel, a happy retirement and a healthy life.

Remember his Double save that he made for Watford?