Amido Balde could be forced to quit playing football after being diagnosed with ‘bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism’.
According to a report in Daily Noticias the former Celtic striker checked himself into hospital on the island of Maritimo with checks forcing him to stay hospitalised.
After four days in hospital Balde, who joined Tondela on loan in January, will undergo further checks with his career put on hold.
Neil Lennon bought the striker in 2013 to add a physical edge to Celtic’s attacking option but the kindest thing that could be said was that the move never quite worked out.
Scoring the only goal of the game in the Dublin Decider against Liverpool was the high point although he did become a fans favourite with both of his Celtic goals wildly celebrated.
Tondela is the tenth club that the 25-year-old has played for with his last goal a wonder striker on loan at Beveren from Celtic in 2014.