Christian Eriksen: Moving Beyond the Past to Focus on Euro 2024
Christian Eriksen is a changed man. Almost three years have passed since he collapsed on the pitch due to cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 match between Denmark and Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. While he tries not to dwell on that fateful day, it remains an unforgettable moment for many.
Since June 12, 2021, Eriksen has experienced a lot. On the eve of Denmark's first match in Euro 2024 against Slovenia, he addressed the media alongside his coach, Kasper Hjulmand. Inevitably, the topic of his cardiac arrest came up, but Eriksen made it clear that his focus is now elsewhere.
"Personally, playing more than one match is an improvement for me. Returning to this level (playing in the Euros) has been my goal from the start. Three years have passed, and many things have happened since. I don't think about it daily; I don't dwell on it. I just focus on playing football and on positive things," he said.
Eriksen did not dwell on the topic further. He quickly shifted to discussing football, his true passion. As for his role in the upcoming match against Slovenia, he remains uncertain: "There has always been good competition in the midfield, actually in all positions. That's how it should be. It's healthy and positive," he commented.
This Sunday will be special for Eriksen. As the ball rolls for Denmark in Euro 2024, he will have the chance, if given minutes by his coach, to play in a major tournament once again. The bitter memories of the last Euros are behind him, and Eriksen is now focused solely on the future and playing football.