Christian Eriksen made his football comeback in Brentford’s game against Newcastle United, 259 days after suffering cardiac arrest at the European Championship. After the game, the Dane expressed his emotions about his return to the pitch.
“If you put the result aside, I’m a happy man. It’s a great feeling to be back after everything I’ve been through,” said Eriksen after the game.
Eriksen made his comeback in the 52nd minute when he was brought on for Denmark by Brentford coach Thomas Frank for Mathias Jansen. After Eriksen’s collapse at the European Championship, Jansen took his place with the Danes. The spectators rose from their seats and applauded, as did the players on the pitch – a goosebump moment. Brentford were already 2-0 down at that point, which they ultimately stayed on.
“The coach didn’t say much to me before the game,” explained Eriksen. “He wished me the best of luck and told me to enjoy the game. Playing at Brentford has been very special since Day 1. I’ve had a lot of help and the club have taken good care of me.”
“Everyone is here today. My family, parents, children, mother-in-law and even a few doctors who have supported me on my way,” continued Eriksen. “What these people all went through is even harder than anything I’ve had to go through.”
As a result of his cardiac arrest during the European Championship game between Denmark and Finland (0-1) on June 12 last year, a defibrillator was inserted. That intervention prevented the continuation of his career at Inter Milan, since playing with a defibrillator is prohibited in Italy. Eriksen found a new home in Brentford.
“I can still remember it clearly,” said Eriksen before the game about his cardiac arrest at the European Championship. “Except for the minutes when I was already heaven.”
Christian Eriksen: Thomas Frank raves about his comeback
His coach also commented on Eriksen’s remarkable comeback after the game. “I think it was a special moment for everyone who has anything to do with football,” said Frank. “He’s had a great reception from the fans and hopefully he’ll only be able to talk about football in the future.”
“I’ve had the privilege of being able to watch him closely in training over the last three weeks,” continued the coach. “You could see some of his brilliance, the way he plays the ball behind the chain and the passes he makes. He’s a great player and his class will help us enormously.”
After the final whistle, Eriksen did a little lap around the stadium, the Brentford fans pushed aside their disappointment about the defeat and celebrated their hero.
