It took Christian Eriksen just three outings in the Brentford shirt to convince Denmark’s manager that he’s ready to play for his country again.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 last year. Nine months after, he is set to return. Denmark plays two friendlies at the end of the month, first traveling to play the Netherlands on 26 March, then hosting Serbia three days later. The Danes have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.
Talking to a Danish TV channel even before his move to Brentford was sealed, Eriksen revealed his dream was to compete at the World Cup. The 30-year-old said he felt his career at the top was not over, despite his heart condition.
“I’m sure I can come back because I don’t feel any different. Physically, I’m back in top shape,” Eriksen stressed.
“My goal is to play at the World Cup in Qatar. I want to play. That’s been my mindset all along,” confessed Eriksen.
“It’s a goal, a dream, whether I’ll be picked is another thing. But it’s my dream to come back [with the national team],” he added.
Eriksen’s career is back on track
The midfielder is currently on a six-month contract with Brentford in the English Premier League. There is an option in the deal to extend at the end of the current campaign. Eriksen played three games in total for his new club since he signed his contract at the beginning of the year.
After coming on as a sub against Newcastle United, Eriksen started both against Norwich and Burnley. With him in the line-up, Brentford won both encounters, escaping the danger zone of the Premier League table.
Against Burnley, Eriksen recorded his first assist after 10 months. He sent a perfect cross for Toney, who scored Brentford’s opener in a 2-0 win.
Eriksen was released by Inter Milan at the end of 2021. The Dane was not allowed to continue playing professionally in Italy because he was implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator to have his medical situation under control. Eriksen had offers from various clubs around Europe but opted for Brentford because of the relationship he had with his former youth coach Thomas Frank.