Blatter writes to Bolton chairman

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside to assure him of the football family’s thoughts and prayers as Fabrice Muamba continues to fight for his life. The 23-year-old is still in a critical condition at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final match at Tottenham Hotspur. The FIFA President posted a message on his twitter account (@SeppBlatter) on Sunday morning and has now followed that up with a letter to Mr. Gartside, in which he wrote: “On behalf of the worldwide football family, I would like to express my shock and distress on hearing about the cardiac arrest suffered by Fabrice Muamba during Saturday’s FA Cup tie and wish him strength as he continues to fight to recover from this critical condition. “Moments like these show us what is truly important in life and also illustrate the great solidarity that exists between football fans in times of trouble. “The football family’s thoughts and prayers are with Fabrice’s family, club and loved ones at this difficult time.” 'Small signs of improvement' Meanwhile, a statement released by the London Chest Hospital and Bolton Wanderers this afternoon at 15.30 CET  has given cause for hope. "Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital, where today he is showing small signs of improvement," it read. "His heart is now beating without the help of medication and he is also moving his arms and his legs. "However, his long-term prognosis will remain unclear for some time. He is still critically ill and will continue to be closely monitored and treated by staff in The London Chest Hospital's intensive care unit."