A name familiar to devout followers of Arsenal’s youth setup, Robbie Burton has faced an arduous journey in recent months.

Having left Arsenal for Dinamo Zagreb and later joining Irish team Sligo Rovers, Burton has now revealed a life-changing battle with meningitis.

• Robbie Burton, an Arsenal academy product who spent 14 years with the club, has revealed his battle with meningitis.
• Burton has returned to Sligo Rovers after a tough health crisis and aims to revive both his career and the team’s fortunes.
• The 23-year-old, now fit again, is set to be eligible for Sligo’s upcoming match, marking what could be a turning point in his career.

 

Robbie Burton spent 14 formative years at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, aiming for a breakthrough into the first team that eluded him.

In 2020, he sought new horizons with Dinamo Zagreb. That spell was short-lived, pushing him back closer to home where he spent a loan spell with Sligo Rovers.

However, the journey took a distressing turn at the onset of this year. Burton revealed a serious health crisis; he had contracted meningitis.

“I was taken ill in hospital with meningitis. This was a huge battle for me and following three months in and out of the hospital, I was finally given the all-clear,” Burton shared on social media.

After a six-month period focused solely on regaining his fitness, Burton is hopeful for the next chapter. “I feel like I’m ready to get my career back on track.”

The football community, especially fans of Sligo Rovers and Arsenal, have extended their well wishes to the 23-year-old.

Sligo Rovers have officially re-signed Burton, an addition that could be the shot in the arm they need to evade relegation.

Rovers, who are presently just six points above the relegation play-off zone in the League of Ireland Premier Division, can certainly use the skills of a rejuvenated Burton.

He was eligible to play in Sligo’s fixture against Shelbourne on Saturday night, marking what could be the beginning of a significant comeback. Starting the game on the bench, Burton came on to replace Greg Bolger in the 70th minute.

Burton donned the #23 shirt, citing that this year has been a significant test for him at age 23.

“I want to thank everyone that has helped on this journey and also everyone at the club for being so welcoming again,” he stated.