Euro 2020: Christian Eriksen will have heart defibrillator device implemented

In a recent interaction with the media ahead of Denmark’s game against Belgium, team doctor Morten Boesen mentioned that Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 during Denmark’s first match against Finland will have a heart starter device (ICD) implemented.

“After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter),” doctor Morten Boesen told the press. He also added that rhythmic disturbances in the heart are pretty common after a cardiac arrest. Boesen believes that it is better to have the device implemented so that the natural rhythm of the heart can be managed artificially.

The Danish Football Union did not provide additional details on its implications regarding Eriksen’s future in football and the rest of his career. However, they came to the unanimous conclusion after it was “confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.” The DBU also added that Christian Eriksen had accepted the solution and agreed to have the ICD device implemented.

Several players, most noticeably The Netherlands’ Daley Blind have been able to get on with their football careers even after being fitted with the ICD device that controls and regulates the heart rate.

This announcement related to Christian Eriksen came just a few hours before Denmark’s match against Belgium in their second Euro 2020 group stage fixture. Eriksen was the centre of attention building up to the key match as tributes and messages of support poured in from around the world.

In the 10th minute of the match, Belgium players kicked the ball out and the game was stopped for a moment. The passionate crowd at the Parken Stadium cheered and displayed their solidarity for Eriksen by unfurling a banner that read ‘All of Denmark is with you, Christian’ in Danish. Players and support staff of both teams as well as the officials joined in that emotional and heartfelt tribute for Eriksen.

Earlier, the Danish midfielder had shared updates on his health on social media, mentioning that he was ‘feeling okay.’

“Hello everyone. Big thanks for your sweet and amazing greetings and messages from all around the world. It means a lot to me and my family. I’m fine – under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay. Now, I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches. Play for all of Denmark Best,” Eriksen wrote on on Instagram and shared a picture of him with a positive thumbs-up gesture.