Fabrice Muamba claims Christian Eriksen being fitted with ICD heart starter is ONLY way he will ever play again

EX-BOLTON star Fabrice Muamba believes Christian Eriksen must be fitted with a heart-starter device if he wants to continue playing.

The Denmark star has suffered a cardiac arrest - the same medical emergency Muamba endured nine years ago.

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Speaking to ITV, Muamba said: "He has to remember he has a family now.

"Is it worth taking the risk to come back and play again [on having heart starting ICD implant]?

"I think that’s the only way that any football club will be able to sign him again."

Eriksen had to be resuscitated on the pitch after collapsing during Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland.

Muamba was forced to retire from professional football in March 2012 when he suffered a cardiac arrest in a televised FA Cup tie between Tottenham and Bolton at White Hart Lane.

The ex-England U21 international's heart stopped for 78 minutes before he was resuscitated.

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Denmark's team doctor Morten Boesen has confirmed Eriksen will be fitted with an ICD (Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator).

Boesen said: "After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD.

"This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.

"Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment."

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But it's far to early to say whether the 29-year-old, who is currently recovering in a Copenhagen hospital, will be able to continue playing professionally for Inter Milan.

Former Manchester United defender Daley Blind had an ICD fitted in December 2019 and has continued playing, helping Ajax win the Dutch title last term.

The 31-year-old is also part of Holland's squad for Euro 2020.

But ex-England cricketer James Taylor was forced to retire after being fitted with an ICD in 2016.

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