Christian Eriksen is on the road to recovery at home after he collapsed during Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday.
The 34-year-old midfielder was taken to hospital after the match in Odense was interrupted in the 65th minute.
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Eriksen regained consciousness on the pitch and managed to leave the pitch before being taken to hospital for further examinations.
In a statement shared on social media, the former Manchester United and Tottenham player thanked both supporters and medical staff – while also confirming that his rehabilitation is now underway.
“As you can imagine, getting a shock from the ICD has had a huge impact on both me and my family. But I want to assure everyone that this was a different situation than what happened in 2021,” Eriksen wrote.
“As well as being grateful for the support and help of all the players and medical team on the pitch, I’m also incredibly grateful to the doctors who have taken care of me and my heart over the years.”
“Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed for: to protect me when I needed it.”
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The ICD reacted as it should
Eriksen had an implantable defibrillator (ICD) implanted after he suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland.
The procedure allowed him to resume his football career with Brentford in 2022, before later moving to Manchester United. Now he plays for the German club Wolfsburg.
Denmark’s national team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed that the equipment worked correctly during Sunday’s incident.
“The pacemaker reacted as it should,” he said.
Eriksen added that his immediate focus is now on rest and family life.
“Right now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on holiday and playing football with my kids.”
What is an ICD?
An ICD is a small device that is surgically inserted into the body. It monitors the heart rhythm continuously and can provide treatment if it detects a potentially dangerous rhythm disturbance.
Sports cardiologist Aneil Malhotra has previously explained that the technology can react in a matter of seconds to restore a normal rhythm.
“It works around the clock and monitors the heart rhythm all the time,” Malhotra said.
“If the heart develops a dangerous rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, the device detects it immediately and provides treatment – including an electric shock if necessary.”
Unlike the emergency treatment Eriksen needed after his collapse during Euro 2020, the implanted device is designed to intervene immediately – without relying on external help.
Football career rebuilt after Euro 2020
Eriksen’s football future seemed uncertain after his cardiac arrest five years ago.
His contract with Italian club Inter Milan was terminated by mutual agreement because Serie A does not allow players with ICDs to compete.
Nevertheless, he was back at Brentford eight months later, then went to Manchester United and continued his international career for Denmark.
When he made his comeback in 2022, Eriksen said he didn’t worry about playing with the device.
“I don’t see any risk. I have an ICD, and if something should happen, I’m safe.”
Support from the entire football world
Players from both Denmark and Ukraine formed a protective ring around Eriksen while he received treatment on the pitch. The match was later interrupted.
After the decision to cancel the match was made, the teams gathered and applauded the supporters in the stadium.
Neither Denmark nor Ukraine qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which starts later this week. Nevertheless, declarations of support for Eriksen have poured in from all over the football world as he now begins his rehabilitation.
