“For me it is inexplicable”: German professional with defibrillator cannot believe the Dwamena drama

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Daniel Engelbrecht was 22 years old when he collapsed on the field during his match for the Stuttgarter Kickers against Rot-Weiss Erfurt. cardiac arrest. In addition to myocarditis, chronic cardiac arrhythmias are also diagnosed. Four operations followed, of which Engelbrecht was provided with a defibrillator during one operation.

Almost a year and a half later, Engelbrecht makes his comeback. And he is the first professional footballer in Germany to play with a Defi. The life support device that had been removed from ex-FCZ striker Raphael Dwamena, who tragically died on Saturday. When asked about it, Engelbrecht speaks of a ‘misunderstanding on my part’. “I didn’t know him, but to me it is inexplicable that the defibrillator has to be removed. I have now stopped playing football, but I know how difficult it can be if you have heart problems.” If you collapse on the field, you still have a chance. ‘Because there are people who can help. “But what happens if I’m home alone?” asks Engelbrecht.

Only limited at the airport

Engelbrecht now works as a scout at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, works as an independent motivation coach and gives lectures on mindfulness. Also because he was too stubborn at the time to stop playing football immediately after the first incident. Family and friends advised him to do so, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he finally hung up his boots. According to the striker, it is clear that he misses the professional atmosphere and the atmosphere in the stadiums. “But quitting football was a life decision.” Even today, the 33-year-old cannot do without sports. He goes to the gym three times a week.

That’s going well, the defibrillator does not limit his daily life. “The only problem I have is at the airport because I have to be patted down when I walk through the metal detector,” says Engelbrecht.

The device is his guardian angel. The invention that makes it possible for him to live a carefree life in the future. Even when he’s home alone.

Source : Blick