Michael Jansen

Michael Jansen (born 10 June 1984 in Nijmegen) is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for BV Veendam in the Dutch second division on loan from FC Groningen.

Club career

Vitesse and cardiac arrhythmias

Born in Nijmegen, Jansen is a defender and made his debut in professional football with Vitesse in the 2002–03 season. He was considered a big talent and his development was reportedly closely watched by Ajax Amsterdam among others. On May 15, 2005 in a match versus Ajax, Jansen lost consciousness after suffering cardiac arrhythmia. He recovered but has to live with an ICD under his skin. He would not play any match for Vitesse after regaining fitness, but was still considered a squad member.

Life after Vitesse

In January 2008, Vitesse and Jansen parted their ways, and on January 18, 2008, Jansen signed a 6 month contract with Feyenoord, with an option for another 3 years. Feyenoord has loaned out the player to fellow Eredivisie side De Graafschap, to let him get use to professional football again. In Summer 2008, ambitious Jupiler League-side, SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden, signed Jansen. After one year, FC Groningen noticed that Jansen played well enough to return to the Eredivisie. In January 2010 Groningen decided to loan him to Go Ahead Eagles to get him more playing time since he had not been able to earn himself a place in Groningen's starting IX. – De Telegraaf......
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