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Former Premier League player suffers heart attack during half-marathon

Carlton Palmer says he suffered a heart attack early in the race, but was able to finish in two hours, nine minutes

Photo by: W/C

Former English Premier League soccer player and England national team player Carlton Palmer had a scary run at the Sheffield Half Marathon in Sheffield, U.K., on Sunday. The 57-year-old former midfielder was running the half marathon for charity when his “heart played up” on the course, and he suffered a heart attack.

According to his social media, Palmer completed the race in two hours and nine minutes, but ended up in the hospital moments after finishing.

“Just to let everyone know I am ok. I am being kept overnight in hospital observation/tests with a suspected small heart attack,” he tweeted. “I managed to complete the course. Thank you so much for all the lovely messages.”

This isn’t the first time Palmer has had issues with his heart. In 2016, he underwent a life-saving five-hour operation for a heart condition discovered during an England International Alumni friendly match between England and Germany in Singapore, which resulted in him stopping 20 minutes in.

Palmer made 18 appearances with England during his 20-year career (1984-2004). 

Palmer started his career at West Bromwich Albion in 1984 but made his Premier League debut in Sept. 1985 as a substitute against Newcastle United. During his career, he scored 32 goals in nearly 600 appearances. 

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