After five hope-filled months, Fabrice Muamba yesterday conceded defeat in his admirable battle to play professional football again.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has revealed he is taking inspiration from Fabrice Muamba after he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia yesterday.

A further update on the condition of Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who is fighting for his life in hospital, will be released at some point later this morning.

Footballer David Beckham arrived back in the UK today to be at the hospital bedside of his father, who has suffered a heart attack.