Former Inter Milan attacking midfielder, Christian Eriksen, scored his first international goal 288 days after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
Recall that during the opening match between Finland and Denmark at Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. He was given CPR which resuscitated him before he was rushed to the hospital straight from the stadium.
Afterward, it was confirmed that he developed a cardiac arrest while playing the football game. It was also confirmed that the 30-year-old attacking midfielder was operated upon and an Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in him to prevent his heart from stopping.
Due to the ICD implanted in Christian Eriksen, Inter Milan had to terminate their contract with the Danish midfielder. The Italian club had to make such a decision because laws in Italy don’t allow athletes to play with devices implanted in them.
At that point, it was looking like Eriksen would never play football again but the 30-year-old attacking midfielder keep stressing in every given opportunity that he would play again.
After staying for over a month without being contracted to a club, Premier League side, Brentford decided to offer him an opportunity to return to professional football. Fortunately, Eriksen accepted the offer.
He resumed his professional career at Brentford on February 26 and has played three games in the Premier League in which he provided an assist so far in the 2021-2022 season.
Ahead of March 2022 international break, Eriksen got his first call up to Denmark national team for the first time in almost a year. He featured in Denmark’s friendly match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam as a half-time substitute.
The fans in the stadium (both the home and the away fans) gave him a resounding welcome back to international football as he made his way to the pitch.
Just 9 months after Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest at the Euros, he's back playing for Denmark.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2022
Incredible ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2j5mcloCbO
Less than two minutes after he was introduced into the friendly match, Eriksen scored with his first touch of the ball.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN SCORES TWO MINUTES INTO HIS RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL!!! pic.twitter.com/BztWOVLGqM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2022
After the friendly game which ended 4-2 in favor of the Netherlands, Christian Eriksen who played for Ajax from 2009 to 2013 before he joined Tottenham Hotspur, described his goal to Sky Sports as a lovely finish.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder said he aims to play in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“I felt very welcome [by the Netherlands fans],” he said. “I’ve been here before [for Ajax] for many years so, of course, they know me, but it was a very heart-warming reception for sure.
“I was happy the ball came to me and of course, it was a lovely finish. To start the comeback in international football like this was a perfect way.
“I’m looking forward to playing at the Qatar World Cup but there are a lot of games in between and I’m focused on them.”
Christian Eriksen who made his international debut on March 3, 2010, has played 109 games and scored 36 goals in all competitions for his country.
The attacking midfielder who now has a transfer market value of €15 million has until June 30, 2022, before his contract with Brentford expires.
It might interest you to note that Eriksen is in a relationship with Sabrina Kvist Jensen. The two lovers are blessed with two children, Alfred and another baby boy whose name has not been made public.
