Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer speaks out for the first time since his cardiac arrest on a Premier League pitch, hailing ‘heroic’ players, doctors and staff for ‘saving my life’ – and not ruling out a return to playing

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has spoken out for the first time since his cardiac arrest and praised the heroic players, doctors and staff who saved his life.

Lockyer, 29, collapsed on the pitch during his side's match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium earlier this month and received emergency medical attention.

The centre-back was released from hospital last week and is continuing his recovery at home – and has now posted a lengthy statement on social media.

Lockyer has not ruled out a possible return to football and will meet with specialists in the new year to determine his next steps.

“I just want to say I'm doing really well and feeling very much like myself after the cardiac arrest I had in Bournemouth,” he wrote on Instagram.

“The reason I am doing so well is due to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I am grateful that this happened to me, surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.

Although I'm sad not to be involved, I'm also proud to see the boys continuing the fight without me. The fighting spirit I have seen in the last three matches has given me the much-needed boost.

“I will do whatever I can in any way I can to help the Gaffer and the Club. In what capacity that will be is yet to be decided as I am meeting with specialists in the new year.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine. Check out the British Heart Foundation website for the basics or take a course.

'You never know when you'll need it.

'I am overwhelmed by the support I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners on the ground and hearing my name chanted really meant a lot to me and my family.

'Finally, I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they have given my family during this time.

“I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024.”