On Monday 14 February, 2022, Christian Eriksen returned to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Southend United XI, eight months after suffering a near fatal cardiac arrest at the European Championship.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who joined Brentford on a free transfer last month, celebrated his highly-anticipated return to the pitch - as well as his 30th birthday - with an assist for striker Josh Dasilva.
Thomas Frank's side secured a 3-2 victory over Southend thanks to a hat-trick from Dasilva, but the best news of the day was Eriksen's emotional comeback. Check out his assist below.
Eriksen was close to finding himself on the scoresheet in the opening minutes, according to the club's official website, but the former Spurs and Inter Milan man was twice denied by United goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.
That being said, his 60 minute outing will no doubt encourage both the Danish international and Brentford's coaching staff at as he prepares to make his competitive debut for the Premier League outfit.
Advert
In an interview with Sky Sports last week, Eriksen said his debut for Brentford "won't be far off" but admits he is in no rush.
"I'm taking it one day at a time and seeing how I feel," he said. "Every day it gets easier and easier to join in with the level of intensity, running-wise and technical-wise.
"[My debut] it won't be far off. Let's see what happens. With this [device], you are more safe than anyone else. It was pretty early in the hospital I was told that, with an ICD there are no limits.
"My first target is to get back to full fitness, be able to play a Premier League game, and play as many minutes as possible to show and prove I can still play football in a good way.
"Then I want to help Brentford stay in the league."
It's great to see Eriksen back on the pitch again.
Topics: Brentford, Christian Eriksen, Premier League
Jack Kenmare