- Lockyer experienced cardiac arrest
- Uncertain football future
- Grateful, hopeful for recovery
Tom Lockyer stated that he “literally died” in December during his terrifying on-pitch cardiac arrest, which lasted two minutes and forty seconds and caused his pulse to stop.
It is “out of his hands” whether the Luton captain will ever again play professional football, he admitted for the first time in an extended interview since he collapsed in the 59th minute of the Hatters’ abandoned Premier League match against Bournemouth.
“The most concerning aspect was that it was an ordinary day; I felt absolutely fine,” Lockyer told prior to Sunday’s home match between Luton and Manchester United. “Since then, I have been striving to discover solutions, but to no avail; it was merely another ordinary day at the workplace.”
Lockyer’s Harrowing On-Pitch Ordeal
Following the incident at the Vitality Stadium on December 16, Lockyer was implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator and hospitalised for five days. Despite experiencing a similar breakdown in May’s Championship play-off final triumph over Coventry at Wembley, the central defender was granted an opportunity to resume his duties.
“As I ran towards the halfway line, I became extremely dizzy. “I expected to be fine in a moment, but I was not,” Lockyer continued. “When I awoke, there were paramedics present.” I immediately recognised that it was not like my collapse in May. “The previous morning I felt as though I had awakened from a dream; this morning, I awoke from nothingness.”
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“I realised there was increased panic, and I felt somewhat disoriented.” Neither could I speak nor could I move. As I attempted to comprehend the situation, I distinctly recall thinking, “I might as well be dying here.” It was a surreal thought to be unable to respond, and the ensuing panic was palpable.
Survival and Emotional Turmoil
As he continued, Lockyer’s voice fractured: “I could feel them insert the cannula into my arm; it was a turbulent mixture of emotions. I eventually recovered sufficiently to communicate and provide a response. “It was a relief to know that I was still alive when I regained my sense of well-being.”
“A recording device was implanted in my chest in May, and I was unconscious for two minutes and forty seconds,” the 29-year-old further explained. “My family was the hardest hit by having to watch that.” They were worse off than I was. My girlfriend was seven months pregnant and my elderly father was present [at the match].
“My mother was listening to the radio at home.” Upon returning from preparing a cup of tea following the Bournemouth goal, she discovered that my brother had turned off the radio. Upon her inquiry, he was compelled to respond that [I] had once more collapsed on the pitch. This is the most difficult aspect to confront: the larger picture that few people are inclined to notice.
“I cannot conceal the fact that the past few months have been difficult,” Lockyer conceded. “I’m uncertain whether I’ve processed what occurred. When she returned from making tea after the Bournemouth goal, my brother had shut off the radio. Since my literal demise, I have become desensitised to the entire ordeal.
Gratitude and Uncertain Football Future
Additionally, Lockyer commended Rob Edwards, the manager of Luton, for his assistance. He stated, “I couldn’t speak more highly of the man if I tried.” “The fact that he saw me and my family merely demonstrates what an extraordinary human being he is.” “It makes you want to run through brick walls for him, which is obviously not possible at the moment.”
Lockyer, who has earned sixteen appearances for Wales, is awaiting additional evaluations. He hopes to return to top-flight football in the future. “I expect to be guided by specialists and medical personnel.” “I would love to play again if it is possible, and I will not disregard any medical advice that would prevent it.”
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“However, stating this is far too early. There are further evaluations that must be conducted. Lockyer, who began his youth career with Cardiff, his hometown club, and went on to play in the Football League for Bristol Rovers and Charlton, added, “However, I wouldn’t rule it out just yet.”
He concluded, “If I am not permitted to play again, I will be able to say that I captained Luton and scored a goal in the Premier League.” “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have achieved successes throughout my career; as a child, scoring a Premier League goal was a pipe dream. I am extraordinarily grateful to be alive. “Now that the device has been inserted, I feel nearly invincible.”
