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Former soccer player Lamisha Musonda shared that he has just “a few days left” to live due to a serious illnessThe 33-year-old opened up about his health struggles that have left him “fighting to stay alive” on InstagramMusonda, who retired in 2020, played as a midfielder for Chelsea, Anderlecht and more teams
Retired soccer player Lamisha Musonda revealed that he has just “a few days left” to live due to a serious illness.
The former athlete, 33, opened up in a series of Instagram posts this week about his health struggles that have left him “fighting to stay alive.”
“Life has so many ups and downs and no one really knows the pain you’re dealing with,” he began one post, alongside photos from his career as a professional athlete. “This has been a tough and grueling couple of years for me. And it is with sadness that I must inform you that I’ve been struggling trying to get my health back to normal hence why I’ve been unable to come on social media.”
The soccer star has not shared the illness he has been diagnosed with.
“I had to come to grips that my health is in a critical condition and I am now just fighting to stay alive. I would greatly appreciate your help and prayers in this period,” he shared. “My family and I are fighting and I won’t quit until it is time for my last breath.”
Lamisha Musonda in 2014.
KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/AFP via Getty
Reflecting on his photos — which include shots from his time playing for Chelsea, signing a contract with his family surrounding him and practicing with his teammates — Musonda wrote that he has “been blessed with a beautiful early stage of my life” and has “so much more to give.”
“But so many wonderful people I wish I had the chance to thank, face to face. It pains me that I might not have the chance to do so,” he added. “I love you all 😪.”
In another post, he wrote, “As I realize I only have a few days left, I also realize I had a lot of people by my side and I’ll always cherish the memories. Life is hard but the view is great ❤️🙏🏾.”
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Musonda, who retired in 2020, played as a midfielder for teams including Chelsea, Spanish teams Llagostera and Palamos, Congolese club Mazembe and Belgian team Anderlecht.
Born in Belgium, Musonda comes from a family of soccer players. His father, Charly Musonda, played for Anderlecht, and his two brothers Tika, and Charly Jr., both of whom also played for Anderlecht and Chelsea before retiring.
Fellow soccer figures expressed their support and love for Musonda and his family, including fellow Belgian star Romelu Lukaku, who wrote: “Courage Lamisha. We are with you.”
Former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia also chimed in, writing: “I sincerely hope you manage to overcome your health struggles! Thinking of you and your family.”
In another post, Musonda thanked the soccer community for their support.
“I want to thank God for the prayers, kind messages loaded with positivity and love that I have received from everyone. I want to thank my family included. My brothers and parents love me more than anything,” the 33-year-old said. “I am in no means the perfect human being. No one is.”
“I want to thank football and school also, for giving me real life lessons. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t fall in love with the adulations,” he continued. “But the good people I met along the way… the teammates, the teachers, the coaches, the bus drivers… It’s for them, I fight and stay strong. Let’s win each day at a time. Love you all!”