Christian Eriksen hails Simon Kjaer and Denmark medical staff for ‘saving my life’ as they get Uefa President’s Award
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN hailed Denmark's medical staff and team-mate Simon Kjaer for 'saving my life' after they were handed the 2021 Uefa President's Award.
The Inter Milan midfielder, 29, suffered a shocking cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match with Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on June 12.
Quick-thinking skipper Kjaer, 32, a centre-back at AC Milan, immediately placed Eriksen in the recovery position, cleared his airways and started administering CPR.
Medics then resuscitated the former Tottenham star with a defibrillator before he was taken off on a stretcher off and taken to hospital.
Eriksen said: “I would like to thank Morten [Skjoldager], Morten [Boesen] and the medical team who helped that day. You did a fantastic job and saved my life.
"Also a big thanks to my friend and captain Simon and my team-mates in for your support, both on June 12 and afterwards.
"And thanks to all the fans who have sent messages to me and my family. It means a lot and has given us strength and support. Thank you."
Eriksen has since had a type of pacemaker implanted that can prevent fatal cardiac arrests by discharging a jolt to restore a regular heart rhythm.
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The annual award recognises outstanding achievements and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin described the medics and Kjaer as "the true heroes of Euro 2020.";
He added: "This year, the President's Award transcends football. It serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective.
"I would also like to send my very best wishes to Christian Eriksen and his family as he continues his recovery."