Ex-Arsenal wonderkid who played in Europa League opens up on meningitis battle

Former Arsenal youngster Robbie Burton has revealed he's been battling meningitis.

The 23-year-old spent 14 years on the Gunners' books, working his way through the youth ranks at Hale End from the age of six. After failing to break through into the first team, he departed for Dinamo Zagreb in early 2020.

It didn't work out for him in Croatia either, though, and last summer he returned closer to home – joining Irish side Sligo Rovers on loan for the first half of the season.

Burton has been without a club since the start of this year. And he's now told his social media followers about the tough few months he's endured since then, having re-signed with Sligo permanently.

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He explained: "Pleased to announce I’ve re-signed with @sligorovers It’s great to be back. I’m happy to be back at the Showgrounds. After enjoying my loan spell here, upon my return following the end of the season, I was taken ill in hospital with meningitis.

"This was a huge battle for me and following three months in and out of hospital I was finally given the all clear. I’ve spent the last six months getting my fitness back and now I feel like I’m ready to get my career back on track.

"I’ll be wearing the #23 as this year has been a big test for me at the age of 23, I'm ready to get back to where I know I should be.

"I want to thank everyone that has helped on this journey and also everyone at the club for being so welcoming again. Let’s finish the year strong."

Well wishes flooded in for Burton, who is eligible to play in Sligo's fixture against Shelbourne on Saturday (August 26) night. He'll be a welcome addition with the side sitting just six points above the relegation play-off spot in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

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