Former Arsenal shot-stopper Manuel Almunia had to leave the game of football following a discovery that he had a heart problem.

The 37-year-old was supposed to move to Serie A side Cagliari on a free transfer, but medical tests revealed that his life will be in peril, should he continue to play.

"I can confirm that Manuel Almunia failed a medical due to a heart condition,I can confirm that Manuel Almunia failed a medical due to a heart condition," said Cagliari spokesperson Alessandro Steri.

"Further tests done have revealed he is suffering from an apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)."

HCM is a condition where tissues of a certain portion of the heart is thickened, which, most of the times, is asymptomatic, and is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes.

Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers' Association sympathised with the Spanish national's circumstance.

"Manuel Almunia has had to retire after being diagnosed with a heart condition. All at the PFA wish him well for the future." the Association tweeted.

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