Heart fears end striker's career

Metropolitan Police striker Tobi Alabi has been forced to retire on medical advice after doctors found he was at risk of suffering a heart attack.

Since collapsing on the pitch in a friendly against Molesey, the 19-year-old, pictured, has been undergoing medical tests. It was initially thought he'd suffered an asthma attack but on Tuesday the Ryman Premier club revealed that he'd been forced to call time on his career following news of the results confirming a heart condition.

Met manager Jim Cooper is personally 'gutted' for Alabi and says the Imber Court outfit will now offer to support him in any way they can.

Cooper said: "I spoke with Tobi on the telephone. He is very down after being told that he will never be able to play football again. Further tests upon his heart have shown scarring which the medical profession at St Thomas' hospital has indicated is indicative of having heart attacks.

"The long-term plan for him is still to be decided but it is possible that he has a defibrillator inserted to his heart to prevent further attacks. I am absolutely gutted for him. He is one of the nicest guys off the pitch, he always had a smile on his face and like many others who play Non-League football, he still had aspirations to play professional football again.

He added: "We wish Tobi all the very best for the future and we will obviously keep in touch with him to offer any support that he needs."