Eriksen reportedly joked that he was ready to play again
Christian Eriksen’s first words to Denmark teammates since being admitted to hospital have been revealed.
Eriksen collapsed towards the end of the first half of Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland, with referee Anthony Taylor immediately halting the game and calling for medical assistance.
It has since been confirmed that Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, team doctor Morten Boesen said: “He was gone. How close were we? I don’t know.
“His condition is stable and he continues to be hospitalised for further examination,” said a statement from the Danish FA.
Denmark players form a protective ring around Christian Eriksen as he receives medical treatment during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group B match between Denmark and Finland on June 12, 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)“This morning we have spoken to Christian, who has sent his greetings to his team-mates.
“The team and staff of the national team has received crisis assistance and will continue to be there for each other after yesterday’s incident.
“We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt greetings.”
Within the same press conference, messages sent by Eriksen to his Danish teammates were discussed.
They show the dry wit and sharp sense of humour of the former Spurs man.
Eriksen is said to have remarked: “How are you, lads? I think you feel worse than I do.
“I feel like I could put on the boots and go to practice right now.”
Eriksen was taken via stretcher to the Rigshospital in Copenhagen. As he made his way from the ground into a waiting ambulance, he had appeared to have regained consciousness.
The game was suspended, with referee Taylor leading both sets of players off the pitch. It wasn’t clear when it was going to resume, as the live feed ended and cameras headed back to the BBC studio.
The game did resume some time later that evening, at 19:30 BST. Finland eventually won 1-0 through Joel Pohjanpalo’s header. The Finnish striker’s celebration was understandably muted, however.
Opdatering på Christian Eriksen. pic.twitter.com/2YYDY8ZxXV
— DBU – En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) June 13, 2021
Eriksen remains in a stable condition in hospital, according to the Danish FA.
