Tom Lockyer says that he is doing very well and has thanked the life-saving 'heroes' that helped him, with the Luton captain speaking for the first time since a cardiac arrest at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
The defender collapsed on the pitch in the second half of the clash at the Vitality Stadium - a match that will be replayed in full at a date yet to be confirmed - and Lockyer was saved by a long list of medical staff and players from both teams.
'I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth,' said Lockyer, 29, in a public statement.
'The reason I'm doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.'
Lockyer, who also collapsed on the pitch in Luton's historic play-off final win over Coventry in the summer, added that he is not sure whether he will be cleared to play again - but said he is full of pride in how his team-mates have rallied.
Rob Edwards' men have claimed two wins in three since the incident.
'While I'm sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me,' he said. 'The fighting spirit I've seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift.
'I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I'm due to meet with specialists in the new year.
'I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.
'Finally I would like to thank Bournemouth, [Luton chief executive] Gary Sweet, [manager] Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they've given my family during this time.
'I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024. Locks.'
