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Christian Eriksen: Returning with a defibrillator in his chest
Photo:
Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The comeback that professional football has been waiting for came in the 52nd minute and was met with a standing ovation from the stands.
That's when Christian Eriksen stepped onto the pitch in his Brentford team's game against Newcastle United.
It was the Dane's first appearance since suffering cardiac arrest in public at the European Championships last summer.
Videos of his return show not only the fans in the stadium applauding, but also some opponents.
Back then, on June 12, Eriksen collapsed in Denmark's game against Finland and had to be revived on the pitch.
Now Eriksen is healthy and fit enough to play in the English Premier League.
This is made possible by rapid medical care after the incident – and the use of a defibrillator.
The 30-year-old midfielder ended his contract with Inter Milan at the end of last year, and playing with a defibrillator is not allowed in the Italian Serie A.
Eriksen joined Brentford FC in England in early February and was there a few weeks later as the newly promoted side lost to Newcastle.
In the end it was 0:2 (0:2), Brentford played outnumbered from the 11th minute due to a red card.
Not every one of his passes came through, and the attacking midfielder didn't get a shot in the decimated team.
But he was there.
So for Eriksen, this defeat should feel like a win.
His goal is to go to the World Cup with Denmark
His club is fighting for relegation in the Premier League as a promoted team.
With 24 points from 27 games, Brentford are currently 15th, three points clear of the relegation zone.
However, several lower-ranked competitors have played fewer league games than the Bees.
To avoid relegation, an Eriksen in old form would be a huge help for the club, which is financially weak by English standards.
Before moving to Inter, the Dane played for Tottenham Hotspur and was one of the best playmakers in the Premier League there.
Eriksen announced earlier this year that he aims to play for the national team again and go to the World Cup, which starts in Qatar in November.
"This is my goal, my dream," he said.
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