Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has admitted he cannot clearly recall the events of Christian Eriksen’s collapse at Euro 2020 but insists the most important thing is the former Tottenham midfielder is healthy and still able to enjoy his football.
The pair were playing in Denmark’s opening game of the tournament in June when Eriksen collapsed due to a cardiac arrest after 41 minutes, before receiving life-saving CPR treatment on the pitch.
The incident forced him out of competitive action for more than eight months and, after being fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, saw him lose his contract with Inter Milan due to Serie A rules prohibiting play with the device (The Guardian).
But Eriksen has since found solace again with Brentford, who took a chance on signing him on a six-month deal until the end of the season in January.
The move has since paid dividends with the Bees winning each of the last five matches the 30-year-old has started, with the Dane showing some inspired form to help the club into a mid-table position in the Premier League.
And with an upcoming encounter against Eriksen’s former employers Tottenham, his compatriot Hojbjerg has opened up on the terrifying events of last year and how a number of questions ran through his mind.
The Spurs midfielder also highlighted the significance that Eriksen is alive and well and that he and his family should cherish the enjoyment he is still getting from playing football.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “In my head, a picture of that moment is not too clear. Obviously, that whole scenario was very heavy.
“It was a counter-attack, I tried to play him in, someone cleared the ball out for a throw-in, and I turned to go back into my position. When I looked around, I saw Christian was on the ground. I thought he’d been pushed or something, obviously.
“Then, suddenly, I saw teammates run very fast over to him, and then, as you have seen, the situation became very serious. There were so many questions going on in that period, in that situation. You just think it’s a bit surreal in the moment.
“I’ve said it many times, the main thing is that Christian is with us today. That he and his family can have peace with it, that he’s back doing what he loves to do and getting pleasure out of it, and that he and his family can get the peace and comfort they deserve.
“The main thing me for and the players around him is that he is back doing what he loves, that he is here with us today, that his family can have peace in mind and heart and that they can breathe and enjoy Christian playing well on the pitch, that is the most important thing.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Eriksen’s return to football has been amazing and the strength and courage to keep playing after last summer is commendable.
The incident sent a message to everyone that life is precious and the fact he is still here and able to keep enjoying his football is inspirational.
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