Luton captain Tom Lockyer has stated he "literally died" when his coronary heart stopped for almost three minutes on the pitch.

The Welshman, 29, collapsed in the 59th minute against Bournemouth on 16 December, along with his father and seven-month pregnant girlfriend watching on as the sport was referred to as off.

Lockyer was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after he was in hospital for 5 days, simply months after additionally collapsing - however returning - towards Coventry in May final yr.

Speaking to Sky Sports News for the primary time at size since December, he stated his coronary heart stopped beating for 2 minutes and 40 seconds and is not positive he'll ever play once more.

But the ordeal was "hardest" on his household.

"My mum was at home listening on the radio, she went off to make a cup of tea after Bournemouth scored, and when she came back my brother had turned the radio off," he stated.

"She asked 'why', and he had to say to her that Tom has gone down off the ball again.

"This is the larger image that folks do not see and that's the hardest half to take care of. I'm not going to lie, it has been a troublesome couple of months."

Recalling what he may bear in mind from the collapse towards Bournemouth, he stated it was "just a normal day", which is "the most worrying thing" as he felt "completely fine".

He stated he was operating in direction of the midway line when he started to really feel light-headed.

He then woke as much as paramedics and "knew instantly" it was completely different to his collapse towards Coventry.

"I have been looking for answers since but I have not been able to find any because it was just another day at the office," he stated.

"Last time it felt like I woke up from a dream, and this time I woke up from nothingness.

"I may see there was extra panic and I used to be a bit disorientated. I could not converse, I could not transfer. I used to be making an attempt to work out what was taking place, and I bear in mind considering, 'I might be dying right here'.

"It was a surreal thought to have, not being able to respond, and you can see the panic going on."

His voice cracked as he continued: "I could feel them put the drip in my arm and it was a hard mix of emotions.

"Eventually I got here spherical and I used to be capable of converse and to reply. When I felt okay, it was then a aid I used to be alive."

"I actually died, however I've been numb to the entire thing since," he added.

Lockyer had an emotional reunion with his teammates at the Luton's training ground last month - his first visit since he collapsed.

The defender hopes to return to top-flight football, but said he will have further tests before he has an answer.

Speaking forward of his facet's conflict with Manchester United, he stated: "It is out of my hands [if he plays again].

"I'm going to be dictated to by the medical employees and specialists. If there's a likelihood I may play once more - and I'm not going to do something towards medical recommendation - then I might like to.

"But it's far too early so say. There are checks that need to occur within the background. But I would not write it off but.

Read extra:Tom Lockyer thanks 'heroes' who saved his life

"If I am not allowed to play again then I can say I captained Luton in the Premier League and I have scored a Premier League goal.

"I'm very lucky that I've had excessive moments in my profession and scoring a Premier League objective is one thing you dream of as a child.

"I am incredibly grateful to be alive. I have the device fitted now, and I almost feel invincible."