Wigan footballer Charlie Wyke has revealed the shocking severity of his recent collapse during training, admitting that he suffered a cardiac arrest and would have died were it not for the ‘quick response’ of his club manager.

The 28-year-old striker was taking part in a training session ahead of the League One side’s 2-2 draw at Cambridge United on November 23 before he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

Wyke’s condition was not known until today, when he revealed that his manager, Leam Richardson, saved his life by ‘initiating the resuscitation process’ before the team’s doctor, Jonathan Tobin, took over and administered more emergency first aid.

Incredibly, Wigan’s staff had only received CPR training weeks before Wyke’s collapse, meaning it was fresh in Richardson’s memory.

After their initial response on the scene of his collapse, Wyke was rushed to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan and then transferred to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

In an emotional statement released online, Wyke thanked Richardson and Tobin, saying: ‘I will be forever grateful.’

He said: ‘First and foremost, I just want to stress my sincere appreciation to the Club’s medical staff and the NHS staff who have cared for me after I was taken into hospital last week. In particular, I would like to mention Dr. Rob Cooper from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for everything he has done for me over the last week or so.

‘I feel it’s important to tell my story to our supporters and to the wider public, because my life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Leam Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life.

‘As you are aware, I collapsed during training on Monday. I suffered a cardiac arrest and required CPR, and I am told it was only the quick response of the gaffer to initiate the resuscitation process and then the continuation from the Doc that saved my life.

‘I will be forever grateful that due to their actions – and those of my team-mates and other staff – I am here to talk to about the experience.

‘Thankfully, just a few weeks ago, the training ground staff had received CPR training, which has clearly proven to be life-saving with the way in which the gaffer reacted to my collapse and initiated the CPR on the training pitch. I think that sends out a message of just how important it is that coaches and staff have that training.

‘The support from my teammates over the last few days has been incredible; the gesture to celebrate with my shirt at Plymouth just goes to show what a top group of lads we have here at Wigan. I’ve heard the fans singing my name when I’ve been watching the games from hospital too, which has been amazing to hear – I’m really thankful for that support.

‘I have received thousands of messages from supporters of all of the Clubs I have played for, the wider football community and beyond, and the well-wishes have meant the world to me and my family. It was a real boost for me to see the photo of my former teammates at Sunderland wishing me well – a class touch from a great set of lads.

‘I’m looking forward to going home to my son, partner and friends and family for the next few days.

‘I can’t wait to get back to the training ground next week to see the lads, where I will start some light training that begins the process of hopefully being able to get back to full training with the team next year.

‘Thank you for all of the support. Charlie.’

Wyke is the third player in recent weeks to have problems while out on the pitch.

Sheriff Tiraspol’s Adama Traore fell to the ground clutching his chest and was immediately substituted during their Champions League tie with Real Madrid last month.

And Sheffield United’s victory at Reading a day earlier was stopped for more than 10 minutes after John Fleck collapsed unchallenged. Fleck was rushed off to hospital.

Fleck has been given the all clear by specialists following his collapse on the pitch.

Fleck’s team-mates immediately called for medical assistance and the 30-year-old received 10 minutes of urgent treatment on the pitch at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night before being transported to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

After remaining conscious in hospital for around 12 hours, Fleck was released, and pictures on Wednesday on the club’s official account showed him running in training.