At the age of 34, former Brighton & Hove Albion and Swansea City midfielder Andrea Orlandi has been forced to retire from football after it was discovered he had heart disease.

The diagnosis was given after the player had a regular medical with his current side Virtus Entella, who play in the Serie C, sitting first ahead of F.C. Pro Vercelli 1892 by three points.

The Spaniard had just returned to Italy following playing in the Indian Super League for Chennaiyin FC and had yet to play this season.

Last season he played 30 matches for Novara Calcio 1908 in the Serie B but failed to stop the second-tier side from getting relegated as they finished level on points with Virtus Entella, who were eventually relegated via the playoff match.

Orlandi released a statement on former side Brighton’s website:

“I felt like this was coming after I had the medical but until it was made official I still had that glimmer of hope.”

“Sadly it is not safe for me to play on and I was devastated when the doctor broke the news. However, I am coming to terms with it quite quickly and am so thankful to all the medical staff who have helped me.”

“I could have had an operation to try and carry on playing, but at 34 it would have been risky and stupid to do so. I have to think about my future more than football now.”

“The truth is I could have died during my career, so I must look at the bright side that I am still here with my wife and kids and that I enjoyed many years playing the game I love.”

“It is still very early so I have not planned my next step yet. For now, I will enjoy some time with my wonderful family.”

The midfielder spent five years with Swansea City playing 84 times for the Welsh club, during that time he oversaw promotion from League One and the Championship. He even got to play three times in the Premier League for the Swans.

He then went and played two years for Brighton before staying in the Championship and moving to Blackpool. Following the Barcelona born players stint in Lancashire, Orlandi moved to Cyprus where he played a combined total of 43 times for Anorthosis Famagusta and Apoel Nicosia.

For Apoel Nicosia, he even managed to play in the qualifying stages of the Champions League before moving to Novara Calcio 1908, then Chennaiyin FC finally ending his career with current side Virtus Entella.