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Christian Eriksen To Have Heart Starter Device Fitted, Danish National Team Confirm

Christian Eriksen To Have Heart Starter Device Fitted, Danish National Team Confirm

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and required CPR during Denmark's opening fixture at Euro 2020.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Christian Eriksen is to have a heart starter device fitted, the Danish national team have confirmed.

The Inter Milan midfielder collapsed on the pitch during his side's Euro 2020 opener against Finland on Saturday and needed life-saving CPR for 13 minutes on the pitch in Copenhagen.

Eriksen's heart eventually restarted after resuscitation and he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is now in a stable condition and recovering well.

Today, in an official statement, the DBU have issued an update on their talisman's situation - with Eriksen requiring a heart starter (ICD) following advice from a number of specialists.


"National team doctor Morten Boesen has been in contact with the cardiac specialist at Rigshospitalet and Christian Eriksen and this is the latest status," a statement read.

"After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter).

"This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.

"Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.

"We encourage everybody to give Christian and his family peace and privacy the following time."

Sanjay Sharma, professor of sports cardiology at St George's University in London, recently said there will be "strict protocols in place" to prevent Eriksen from returning to the pitch.

Having come back round following the frightening ordeal, Eriksen's first words were, "Yes I am back with you... For f***s sake, I'm only 29," after German doctor Jens Kleinefeld asked him the all-important question.

"About 30 seconds later, the player opened his eyes and I could talk to him directly," Kleinefeld recalled in an interview with Fox Sports.

"That was a very moving moment, because in such medical emergencies in everyday life, the chances of success are much lower."

Image: PA
Image: PA

On Tuesday, Eriksen posted a picture from his hospital bed and thanked fans for their support.

Taking to Instagram, the 29-year-old wrote: "Hello everyone. Big thanks for your sweet and amazing greeting and messages from all around the world. It means a lot to me and my family.

"I'm fine - under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay.

"Now I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches. Play for all of Denmark, best Christian."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Tonight, Belgium will pay tribute to Eriksen by kicking the ball out in the 10th minute of their game with Denmark.

"After 10 minutes of the match we will put the ball in touch to applaud,' Eriksen's Inter teammate Romelu Lukaku said.

"Several players from our country have played with him but we will be there to win and that is the most important."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, Denmark, Christian Eriksen