Update: Fabrice Muamba released from the London chest hospital

The Blackburn midfielder tweeted a picture of himself (seen below) shaking hands with two of his doctors before leaving the hospital, which he had been treated at since he collapsed on the pitch during his team's match with Tottenham last month.

"I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital," he said."I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff who played a part in my care."

In the picture posted to the footballer's twitter account he is seen shaking hand with Dr Andrew Deaner, the Tottenham fan and heart specialist, who ran from the stands to aid with Muamba's on-field treatment.

Muamba has had a 'mini defribulator' implanted, the like of which saved the life of Belgian footballer Anthony Van Loo who collapsed during a match in 2009.

Muamba was technically dead for 78 minutes after suffering a cardiac arrest.

"Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family," he added.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: "It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted.

"We would also like to add our thanks to the staff at The London Chest Hospital for their care and treatment of Fabrice, which has been outstanding.

"It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy."

Fabrice Muamba has today (April 16) been discharged from hospital. twitter.com/OfficialBWFC/s…

— Official BWFC (@OfficialBWFC) April 16, 2012