Miracle recoverer Muamba ties knot

Miracle footballer Fabrice Muamba has enjoyed the wedding day it appeared he would never see after he lay "dead" on a football pitch.

The former Bolton Wanderers star tied the knot with Shauna Magunda in an emotional ceremony watched by Premier League players such as Robin Van Persie and Jason Roberts.

Muamba and his new bride are pictured in the new edition of Hello! magazine accompanied by Manchester United striker Van Persie and his wife Bouchra.

The couple married a week ago - just seven months after Muamba collapsed on the pitch when his heart stopped as Bolton played Tottenham Hotspur in March, leaving him technically dead for 78 minutes. He amazed medics by pulling through, although his playing days are now behind him.

Muamba, 24, told the magazine: "This year has been a difficult one but, to me, marriage is the happy ending."

Among guests was one of the men who saved his life, Dr Sam Mohiddin from the London Chest Hospital. He said: "Seven months ago this day was completely inconceivable. I just feel elated for Fabrice and Shauna, and so honoured to be here to celebrate with them."

The happy couple's three-year-old son Joshua was pageboy for the ceremony.

Van Persie said the day was "particularly special" because of the life-threatening incident. He added: "The cardiac arrest had a big impact on everyone in football, and we all lived the moment as Fab recovered in hospital. Everyone is so relieved and happy for him and Shauna."

Other players who shared their joy were ex-United star Andy Cole and Muamba's Bolton team-mates Stuart Holden and Martin Petrov.