Heart problem puts Asamoah's career in jeopardy

Hanover 8 Oct 1998 Promising Ghanaian footballer Gerald Asamoah stopped playing football and training at German second division side Hanover on October 8, after doctors detected a chronic heart defect.

Examinations were carried out after the 20-year-old striker had collapsed after a game on September 27. A heart expert informed Asamoah of possible effects of the illness, but left the decision to continue playing or not to the player.

Club manager Franz Gerber said: "We must now wait for further examinations and then hold talks with experts. Most important is his health - club interests have to stand back."

A few years ago Nigerian player Nwankwo Kanu was only able to continue his career after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. His problem was detected at examinations when he moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Inter Milan. GRi