Tom Lockyer opens up on how he 'literally died' after cardiac arrest during Luton match
The Luton captain and Wales international collapsed in their Premier League game in December against Bournemouth
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer's been speaking about his cardiac arrest, during the teams' Premier League game on December 16, against Bournemouth.
The Welsh international's revealed he "literally died" whilst speaking to Sky Sports yesterday ahead of Luton Town's match against Manchester United.
Currently, the 29-year-old's footballing future remains unclear, with Lockyer confirming yesterday that he is awaiting further test results, before a decision can be made.
Lockyer fell to the ground during the Premier League game against Bournemouth on December 16, before being attended to by paramedics and taken to hospital, where he stayed for five days.
He has since advocated for people to learn CPR and stressed the importance of knowing vital skill in an Instagram post, which he said has 'saved his life'.
The player received a wave of support from fans across the UK and beyond, and has previously thanked all for what he called 'overwhelming' support.
Speaking to Sky Sports News yesterday, Tom said his heart stopped for two minutes and 40 seconds during his on-pitch cardiac arrest.
He reflected on the moment he regained consciousness: "I could see there was more panic and I was a bit disorientated. I couldn't speak, I couldn't move. I was trying to work out what was happening, and I remember thinking, 'I could be dying here'.
"It was a surreal thought to to have, not being able to respond, and you can see the panic going on."
Continuing his interview with the Sky Sports team, Lockyer went on to say his mum had been listening to the match at home on the radio. She went to make a cup of tea and his brother had turned it off when she returned. He then had to explain Tom had collapsed.
Now, the Luton Captain has a implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted, and says he is "incredibly grateful to be alive." and hopes he is able to return to the football field, but says currently that decision is unknown.