Eriksen says he is ready to return to playing, for club and country

January 5 – Danish international Christian Eriksen has said he wants to represent his country at the World Cup. The midfielder hasn’t played since his cardiac arrest against Finland in the European Championships last June.

Eriksen received life-saving treatment on the pitch in scenes that were broadcast around the world. The incident shook the game profoundly and proved a reminder that, even though the match was resumed, it is still just a game.

Eriksen, in an interview with a Danish broadcaster, said he now wants to return to the including returning to the highest international level and playing for Denmark at this year’s global finals.

“My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar, that’s been my mindset all along,” said Eriksen. “Whether I’ll be picked is another thing, but it’s my dream to come back. So until then I’m just going to play and prove that I’m back at the same level.” 

The former Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax playmaker has shunned the public spotlight since that dramatic afternoon at the Parken Stadium, but his interview was a call to clubs and coaches to come and get him. 

“That’s really why I feel it’s time to get out and do an interview, because I know what I want – I want to play football again,” said Eriksen.

After his cardiac arrest, Eriksen was fitted with a heart-starting device (ICD). The device prevented him from playing in Italy because of health regulations and Inter and the midfielder decided to part ways mutually. His representative Martin Schoots has said that several clubs have expressed interest in Eriksen. 

Eriksen is confident that he can return and that his heart is healthy. 

“They [the doctors] have said ‘fine,’ said it’s good, so everything is stable, which therefore feels like a green light to be able to play football again,” said the Dane. 

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