CNN
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Christian Eriksen has signed a three-year deal with Manchester United, just over 12 months after suffering cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The midfielder received life-saving treatment on the pitch after collapsing during Denmark’s game against Finland in Copenhagen in June 2021.
But these harrowing images of his teammates forming a human shield around him as he was treated on the pitch and of his partner running onto the pitch in tears are in stark contrast to where Eriksen is today. It was a remarkable recovery.
The playmaker was later fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a type of pacemaker designed to prevent fatal cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Former club Inter Milan canceled his contract – Serie A rules prohibit footballers with an ICD from playing in Italy’s top flight – but they have refused to give up on their ambitions of a return to beautiful football.
The 30-year-old declared in January that his heart was “no obstacle” and signed for English Premier League club Brentford that same month.
He made his debut for the west London side in late February – 259 days after his collapse – and received thunderous applause as he came off the bench in a home defeat by Newcastle before starting with back-to-back wins.
At his best, Eriksen is one of the most creative and effective midfielders in the game.
United manager Erik Ten-Hag is conducting a makeover at Old Trafford and fans will hope characters like Eriksen will overcome years of underperformance.
During his seven years at Tottenham and his brief spell at Brentford, Eriksen made 237 appearances in the Premier League – scoring 52 goals and providing 71 assists.
The midfielder has been capped 115 times for Denmark and has scored 38 goals for his country.
“Manchester United is a special club and I can’t wait to get started,” Eriksen said in a statement released on Friday. “I’ve had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times, but to do it in the United red shirt will be an amazing feeling.”
“I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put in every day. It’s clear he’s a fantastic coach,” he added.
“Having spoken to him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play makes me even more excited for the future. I still have big ambitions in the game, there is a lot I know I can achieve and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.”