Former Premier League star Cheikhou Kouyate reveals he played his entire career with a ‘secret’ heart problem as he announces his retirement aged 36: ‘I never even told my family’

Former Premier League and Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement from soccer at age 36, revealing he played his entire career with a secret heart problem. Kouyate disclosed that the congenital condition was kept hidden from his family and national team doctors. He regularly signed insurance waivers taking personal responsibility at English clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest.

Kouyate explained that his condition caused painful symptoms during matches played at high altitude or in high heat. His decision to retire arrived after doctors advised him to stop playing following a medical exam during talks with Anderlecht. He concluded his career after a brief eight-game spell with Turkish club Amedspor.