Fabrice Muamba says he's ready for the next chapter in his life after hanging up the boots.

The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder announced his retirement this season after surviving a cardiac arrest at Tottenham last term.

Speaking to Absolute Radio's Ian Wright, Muamba recalled growing up in the war torn DR Congo and moving to England at 12 years of age.

"I was 12, just turned 12," said Muamba.

"I was okay (at football), but when I went to Arsenal and Liam (Brady) actually gave me that scholarship contract I was like wow, this is amazing.

"You know, and from there I looked back and I think about it, I say, you know what? If I can come from Congo and get this far, I can do anything and I just focus and I do my best and everything I did from there."

Of his future plans, Muamba said: "I don't know what it could be. But at this present moment I'm just enjoying life and being able to do different things, be able to visit, you know, hospitals and speak to young guys and be able to motivate guys in the street who are trying to make it in the game.

"I can only give them advice about how I made it, but I cannot guarantee you're going to make it, so you have to be very honest to yourself and choose the right path for where you want to go. For me I'm just able to spend time with my friends and my family and do different things, that's what I'm doing at the moment."

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