FA express 'absolute delight' over recoveries of Fabrice Muamba and Trevor Francis

Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch last month (PA)

The Football Association has revealed its "absolute delight" at the release of both Fabrice Muamba and Trevor Francis from hospital.

Muamba, 24, was yesterday discharged from the London Chest Hospital, miraculously just 30 days after the midfielder was admitted following his cardiac arrest on the pitch during Bolton's FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

His release came on the same afternoon as former England striker Francis, 57, was also allowed home by Birmingham Heartlands Hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack on Friday.

The pair's swift recovery has been welcomed by the football world and beyond.

And FA general secretary Alex Horne told Press Association Sport: "We're absolutely delighted with the news that both Fabrice Muamba and Trevor Francis have been discharged from hospital.

"It goes without saying that the football family has been united in wishing them well and hopefully this is the start of a journey back to full health.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of both Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham and The London Chest Hospital for their expert care and attention towards Trevor and Fabrice."

Bolton and Tottenham yesterday announced that £22,000 had been raised for worthy causes in heart research and treatment from the auction of match shirts worn in the rearranged FA Cup quarter-final between the two clubs.

And that came on a day when a host of names from the football community also showed their goodwill for both Muamba and Francis.

Among them former England strikers Michael Owen and Gary Lineker, who both used Twitter to send their support.

Owen wrote: "What a great day for football. Fabrice Muamba and Trevor Francis both discharged from hospital."

Lineker added: "I see Fabrice Muamba has been released from hospital. How good is that? £miraculous. Trevor Francis also discharged from hospital after a suspected heart attack. Good news all round."

PA