Former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has been forced into retirement over a heart problem.
The 37-year-old, who spent eight years with the Gunners before enjoying two seasons at Watford was set for a move to Serie A side Cagliari, before a rare heart condition was picked up during a medical with the Italian club.
Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini told calcionews24.com: "He has been diagnosed with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
"It was first picked up at Cagliari and then confirmed in Padua, where the player had a scan. It can be dangerous and can cause sudden death."
