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Heart shock for Roma starlet

By Nadia Carminati
Roma have told young Nigerian Ajide Olasunkanmi Akande that he must stop playing completely for a month after discovering the youngster had a heart problem.

Italian football has already been rocked by the news that Senegal international Khalilou Fadiga had been told he was risking his life by playing - and Roma's African youngster Akande has been diagnosed with a similar problem.

Roma will take the precaution of ordering the player to rest for a month before they allow him to resume his career.

Akande has yet to break through the ranks at the Giallorossi, and is currently a member of the club's youth side, but has appeared on the substitutes bench twice this season after being selected by Fabio Capello (pictured).

The news that he has a heart problem will come as a major blow to the youngster - who is likely to be haunted by his medical history for the rest of his career.

After his month off Akande will face a barrage of medical tests before he is allowed to continue playing.