Wigan Athletic and U.S. men’s national team defender Antonee Robinson is set to undergo a heart procedure to correct a medical issue that caused his proposed move to AC Milan to break down on January deadline day.
Robinso joined Championship side Wigan last summer on a three-year contract after an initial loan spell with the club in 2018-2019. He also did a loan stint with Bolton Wanderers from 2017-18.
Internationally, Robinson was eligible to represent England or the U.S., having been born in Milton Keynes to an American father. He featured for the U.S. from the U-18 level on up before making his senior debut in May 2018 in a match against Bolivia. The former Everton trainee has featured seven times for the U.S. senior team, last appearing in June 2019.
Robinson has not played for Latics since the AC Milan fell through but has been a key member for Wigan, appearing 30 times and scoring one goal for the club despite the team’s struggles in England’s second division.
In a statement on Thursday, the 22-year-old confirmed that an irregularity in his heart rhythm was discovered during a physical exam before a potential transfer to AC Milan that ultimately fell through. Robinson added that he will undergo cardiac ablation later in March to correct the irregular heart rhythm.
According to Robinson, he needs to undergo the procedure before he can play again. The defender appreciated Wigan and the club staff for their support and care since January.
One of the most frustrating periods of my life, I still feel fit and have been desperate to play! But everyone at Wigan has been so supportive and obviously health comes before football. Can’t wait to be be back playing with the boys 🙌🏽 💙 https://t.co/wpKZPXoNNL
— Antonee Robinson (@Antonee_Jedi) March 12, 2020
The statement reads: “This is an issue that needs sorting before I can play again.
“I wanted to update our supporters on my current situation as I have had a number of people asking if I’m ok and why I have not played since January.
“During my medical for a potential transfer to AC Milan on deadline day, an irregularity was picked up in my heart rhythm.
“Further testing was required to ensure the move could be finalised and ratified, though there was not enough time to complete this before the deadline.
“Since my return to Wigan, I have been training with the team whilst being monitored and I have undergone a period of testing and treatment.
“Following consultation with the club’s medical staff and independent specialists, it has been decided that I will need a medical procedure later this month to address the irregularity in my heart rhythm – a procedure called an ablation.”
Wigan and AC Milan had agreed on an initial fee of £6m the day before deadline day for the USA international. The defender then traveled to Milan on Friday, 31 January.
But following a medical examination, it was decided that Robinson needed more tests with the Italian authorities, which would have taken too long to complete his move in time.
A club statement from Wigan said: “Wigan Athletic defender Antonee Robinson will remain at the DW Stadium after his move to AC Milan could not be completed.
“Robinson, 22, traveled to Milan this morning after the two clubs agreed to a fee for the permanent transfer on Thursday evening.
“The USA international underwent a medical examination with AC Milan, though further medical tests with the Italian authorities were required, which were subject to a 72-hour deadline.
“As such, the deal could not be formally ratified before the 8pm Italian Transfer Deadline on Friday.”
