Christian Eriksen: Denmark midfielder to have heart-starting device fitted after Euro 2020 collapse

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen will be fitted with a heart-starting device after he collapsed on the pitch during a Euro 2020 game.

The Inter Milan player, 29, had to be resuscitated on the pitch at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen after slumping to the ground during the first half of his side’s 1-0 defeat to Finland on Saturday.

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At a glance: 5 key points

- Denmark’s national team doctor has confirmed that Eriksen will be fitted with a defibrillator implant.

- After his collapse, Eriksen was taken to hospital where medics continued to work on identifying what caused his cardiac arrest and have chosen to fit an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

- Eriksen thanked those who had sent messages of support in an Instagram post on Tuesday in which he said he was “fine – under the circumstances”.

- Denmark have this week been preparing for their second group fixture against Belgium and will return to the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen for that match on Thursday night.

- Captain Simon Kjaer believes the game will give Denmark “peace in our minds” as they “play for Christian”.

What’s been said

“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 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 (in) the following time.”

Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen

Background

The Danish star collapsed towards the end of the first half in Saturday's Group B fixture and required CPR before being taken to hospital for further examination.

As he was being treated on the pitch during the televised game, Eriksen's team-mates formed a protective wall around the Inter Milan player in an effort to protect his privacy.

The Danish Football Association later issued a statement confirming Eriksen was "awake" and "stable" following the shocking incident at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

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