Eriksen returns to an uncertain future

CHRISTIAN Eriksen said on Tuesday he intends to return to play for Denmark at the World Cup, but his interview with a Danish broadcaster posed many questions, with his future still up in the air.

The Dane recently had his contract terminated by Inter Milan after having a heart starter device implanted, following his dramatic collapse while playing for his country against Finland at Euro 2020 in Copenhagen.

Such devices are not permitted in Italy, and his career there was effectively ended.

The interview, part of which was published by public service broadcaster DR on Tuesday, could be seen as a come-and-get-me plea from the softly-spoken 29-yearold, but his options for a return remain uncertain.

His former teammate Daley Blind had a similar device fitted and is playing at Ajax, the Dutch club where Eriksen broke through before joining Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, and a number of clubs are likely to be in the market for a player of his ability. He is exactly the kind of creative spark needed at Premier League strugglers Newcastle United, who are awash with money after a recent takeover by a Saudi consortium.

Eriksen knows, however, he will have to convince any prospective employer that he is fit enough to play.

“That’s really why I feel it’s time to get out and do an interview, because I know what I want – I want to play football again,” he told DR.

He looked relaxed as he discussed what the future might hold, and took the opportunity to assure clubs that his heart can be trusted.

“They (the doctors) have said ‘fine’, said it’s good, so everything is stable, which therefore feels like a green light to be able to play football again,” he said.