Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during Denmark's opening Euro 2020 match this summer; Inter Milan midfielder suffered cardiac arrest and had defibrillator fitted; Eriksen has sent touching message of support to nine-year-old Evie, who is due to undergo a similar procedure
Tuesday 10 August 2021 14:35, UK
Christian Eriksen has recorded a touching video message to reassure a nine-year-old girl who is due to undergo the same operation he had after collapsing while playing at Euro 2020.
The Inter Milan midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark's opening game of the tournament against Finland and received life-saving treatment on the pitch.
He later had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device implanted, a type of pacemaker that can prevent fatal cardiac arrests by discharging a jolt to restore a regular heart rhythm.
The 29-year-old received a letter from Evie before she was due to have an ICD fitted at Great Ormond Street hospital in London.
His response was shared by her mother Nicci Martin on Facebook after a campaign through the platform to reach Eriksen for support after hearing about his operation.
"Thanks for the lovely letter, I just read it through tonight," Eriksen said in the video message.
"I hope you are feeling comfortable and confident going into the operation. It is never fun to be in hospital but I am sure the doctors know what they are doing and they will help you and tell you what they know and they think.
"I am sure you will get back to normal life very quickly afterwards - I know I did. I am sure it will be the same with you."
Martin said on Facebook her daughter - who "has a huge phobia of needles, cannulas and blood" - was a fan of Eriksen's former club Tottenham and was a keen football player herself.
She said no date had yet been set for the operation after a postponement.
Eriksen returned to the Inter training ground for the first time since his collapse last week, when a club statement said he was "in excellent physical and mental shape".
His playing career remains unclear though, as he will not be allowed to play in Italy unless the ICD device is removed.
