The image still sends chills down the spine and brings back bad memories for football fans. We are playing the 42nd minute of the Euro group match between Denmark and Finland, this June 12, 2021, when Christian Eriksen suddenly collapses on the field. For many minutes, and in front of a shocked public and players, the Danish midfielder underwent a cardiac massage provided by the medical staff and was finally saved to the great relief of everyone.
“When we were around him, we were all afraid of seeing him die. I remember each of us whispering or thinking, “Please do it!”told his teammate Yussuf Poulsen six months later as the players formed a circle to protect him from the cameras. “He was lucky it happened during the game, and everything was close by to get him back straight away. If the same situation had happened to him in his living room, he wouldn’t be here anymore. » Four days after the accident, an automatic defibrillator was implanted in Eriksen’s body to prevent another cardiac arrest.
First objective: “return to a normal life”
For many, the midfielder’s career was then behind him. His club Inter Milan terminated his contract by mutual agreement in December 2021, the Dane unable to play in Italy with a defibrillator. But a little voice resonates in the player’s head and tells him not to stop completely. So he first trained alone, in Switzerland, before going to Ostend (Belgium) and perfecting his physical condition at Ajax Amsterdam, his training club, then, against all odds, joining the Premier League with promoted him to Brentford in January 2022.
“My first goal was to return to a normal life, as a father, partner and family member… Then it was time to think about football, the player explained at the time. If I didn’t fully commit and trust the doctors, my heart, my implantable cardioverter defibrillator, I wouldn’t go back. The defibrillator is there to protect me. If something were to happen to me, it’s extra security and I’m even more protected than you in a way. At least that’s what I feel. »
First coming into play on February 26 against Newcastle, first start on March 5 against Norwich, Eriksen wasted no time and very quickly proved convincing with his club, leaving behind the doubts that accompanied him. With seven victories in eleven matches played (1 goal and 4 assists), his return is a real success in a team which included many compatriots. Enough to be recalled in March by Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, who had justified his choice. ” He is in shape. I followed him closely. I was recently in London to view and review it. I saw him in training and in matches. Physically he is very, very sharp. There are always things that can improve, that’s normal, but he plays at a high level. I don’t think any of us expected him to play as well as he is today, but there’s no doubt he’s ready for it. »
Substitute status at Manchester United
On March 26, 2022, 285 days after his cardiac arrest, Eriksen returned to Denmark by coming on at half-time in place of Jesper Lindstrøm against the Netherlands. From his first ball he shakes the nets, enough to prolong the fairy tale, to the applause of an entire stadium. He will be voted man of the match and continues his momentum. “Today, he is applauded wherever he plays. He was already a friendly player before the accident, a team player, respectful of others, discreet, not a super star of social networks but rather thanks to his attitude and his performances”explained in our columns a year ago, former international midfielder Bjarne Goldbæk.
After the difficult but successful challenge of returning to the Premier League, Eriksen reached the end of his contract at Brentford and chose to stay in England by signing with Manchester United in the summer of 2022. Under the orders of Erik ten Hag, the Dane quickly established himself as an indisputable starter in a position a little further back on the pitch alongside Casemiro before an injury disrupted his end of the season, concluded with a third place in the Premier League and a Carabao title Cup. “I had my ups and downs, there were good matches and bad matches. But overall I was very satisfied and I’m very happy to be at United.”analyzed the native of Middelfart.
The year that has just passed, however, is much more complex for the 32-year-old, who started only 18 times and is now confined to a substitute role in the north of England. The intensity required is becoming more and more difficult for him to cope with, to the point that rumors of departure have even escorted him to the winter transfer window with offers from Turkey. Under contract until 2025, he should not stay with the Red Devils forever.
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Despite his difficult season with Manchester United, Eriksen was logically called up for the Euro by coach Kasper Hjulmand who made him one of his base men. Currently, he is the fourth top scorer in the history of the selection (41 goals) two lengths from the podium. Despite everything, some criticisms are beginning to emerge where its influence and effectiveness are particularly called into question. His good performance against Sweden in preparation (2-1), concluded with a goal, was a good way to remind us that we will have to count on him for what is surely his last major competition with Denmark. Three years ago, this seemed impossible.
