Former Holland star steps away from football and diagnosed with heart condition after collapsing on pitch
BAS DOST has decided to step away from football after collapsing on the pitch.
The Dutch striker has been diagnosed with a heart problem.
Dost, 34, collapsed towards the end of the game during NEC Nijmegen’s abandoned clash with AZ Alkmaar on Sunday.
He was running back to his own goal when he dropped to the floor in the centre of the pitch.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and players formed a circle around him.
Dost is now okay but has chosen to take time away from football.
He said in a statement: “I have now heard from my cardiologist what caused what happened to me.
“I have had many tests in recent days and they have shown that I have an inflamed heart muscle (myocarditis).
“There can be various reasons why a heart muscle becomes inflamed and the consequences can be quite serious, but I was lucky that I was successfully resuscitated on the field.
“I cannot emphasise enough how grateful I am to the doctors of NEC and AZ.
“The tests will continue in the coming days and then I will go home and need to rest to fully recover from this.
“Only after that moment will I gain more insight into my future and from then on I can share more about it.
“For now I will take a break from football and spend the coming time with my family. I hope everyone respects that.
“I will report back to the Goffert Stadium in the coming months.
“Everyone knows I’m going to miss the game. First of all my colleagues, but also the supporters, training and the atmosphere in football stadiums. I really enjoy that.
“However, now it is time to look at myself and take some rest.
“I would once again like to thank everyone from the football world, at home and abroad. You have shown me so much attention. That touched and supported me and my family.”
Dost has been capped 18 times for the Netherlands.
He previously played for the likes of Wolfsburg, Sporting Lisbon, Eintracht Frankfurt and Club Brugge.