"My recovery has started": Christian Eriksen 'feeling good' after on-field collapse
Odense, June 8
Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen, following collapsing on the pitch once again, nearly five years after his dramatic incident at Euro 2021, reassured fans that he is recovering well at home with his family after receiving a shock from his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
He stressed that the incident was different from the cardiac arrest he suffered in 2021 and thanked the medical staff, doctors, teammates and supporters for their assistance and support. Eriksen said his ICD functioned as intended to protect him, and that his immediate focus is on recovery, spending time with his family and enjoying a break from football.
In Sunday's international friendly against Ukraine in Odense, Eriksen went down in the 65th minute. The 34-year-old VfL Wolfsburg player received prompt medical assistance and was later able to walk to the ambulance on his own.
"I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family. As you can probably imagine, receiving a shock from my ICD has had a major impact on both me and my family, but I want to reassure everyone that this was a different situation from what happened in 2021," Eriksen wrote in an Instagram post.
"I am feeling good, and my recovery has already started. In addition to being grateful for the support and assistance of all the players and the medical team on the field, I am also incredibly grateful to the doctors who have cared for me and my heart over the years. Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it. For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children," he further wrote.
The 34-year-old VfL Wolfsburg player received prompt medical assistance and was later able to walk to the ambulance on his own. The incident marked the second time the 34-year-old playmaker collapsed to the turf while representing his country.
The collapse sparked concern among players and supporters, with memories resurfacing of Eriksen's medical emergency during Denmark's UEFA European Championship match against Finland in 2021. On that occasion, the midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest on the field, received life-saving CPR treatment, and was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD).
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a cricket fan who also follows football, this is heartbreaking. The way he walked off the field shows his courage. But honestly, I wonder if it's wise for him to continue playing? One more incident like this could be fatal. He has a family to think about—maybe it's time to hang up his boots? Respectful opinion.
Modern medicine is a blessing. The ICD saved his life again, just like in 2021. But seeing him collapse on the pitch is still harrowing. I hope he takes all the time he needs to recover—football can wait, health comes first. Respect to Eriksen for his bravery. 🙏
Reading this gave me chills. I remember watching the Euro 2021 incident live—I was so scared for him. Now this happens again? Football needs to do more to protect players with such conditions. Still, Eriksen's positive attitude is inspiring. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. ❤️
Eriksen is a true warrior. But seriously, enough is enough. Three years after the cardiac arrest, he's still at risk. I feel for his wife and kids—every time he steps on the pitch, they must be terrified. One more collapse could be the last. As a father myself, I'd choose family over football. Respectful but firm opinion.
Amazing to see the support from teammates and fans. This is what sport is all about—humanity over rivalry. The fact that he could walk off
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