Former Chelsea defender Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted by doctors.

Now with FC Volendam, Mbuyamba left Chelsea in 2022, having been signed from Barcelona.

After missing for much of the season, the defender announced: "After a long spell of silence I can now say why I have been away.

"During my annual check-up I found out that I had a disturbed heart rhythm. This came as a big surprise, as I hadn't noticed any change in my health.

"After this discovery I had a string of extensive medical tests. This is why I have played so seldom this season.

"The doctors, FC Volendam and I decided that I would have a S-ICD defibrillator implanted as primary prevention.

"The first stage of my rest and recovery is now over, and I have begun training on my own.

"I'll work on making my return for Volendam, and rest assured I'll be back in the team this season.

"How did I feel? Of course I had concerns at first about my health.

"But I always felt this would not pose a problem or hinder my football career. I am a winner, and a fighter!"