Former Aston Villa and Newcastle midfielder could be forced into an early retirement after a heart condition was found during a medical at Ligue 1 side Nantes earlier this week.


The 30-year-old left relegated Aston Villa this summer after his contract expired at the Midlands club.

He was set to join Nantes on Monday after flying to France to undergo a medical, but a rare heart condition was discovered, meaning that he may need to finish his career early.


According to "?French newspaper L'Equipe, the initial results were inconclusive with a 'debate among specialists to determine whether it will prevent him from continuing his career at the highest level.'


Heart problems have been a common concern in modern day football after ex-Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba's heart stopped during a Premier League game with Tottenham.

Charles N'Zogbia's career could be over after heart condition discovered in Nantes medicalhttps://t.co/7gIohwg621 pic.twitter.com/e3GhAT2SBe

Muamba had to be revived on the White Hart Lane pitch, prompting his retirement from senior football.


"?Nine years before that, former West Ham and Manchester City player Marc-Vivien Foe died on the pitch after collapsing following an undiagnosed heart problem.


N'Zogbia played just two times for Villa last season in a campaign which saw his side relegated from the English top-flight.


He racked up 281 Premier League appearances during his career, with spells at Newcastle, Wigan and most recently Aston Villa.


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