LINEKER: IT PUTS GAME IN CONTEXT
THE world of football united to send its warm wishes and hopes for a full and speedy recovery to Christian Eriksen after he collapsed during Denmark’s clash with Finland.
Inter Milan’s former Tottenham midfielder stumbled to the ground towards the end of the first half in Copenhagen and was rushed to hospital soon after.
Later, the Danish Football Union released a statement saying
Eriksen was awake and had been stabilised, and that he was undergoing further tests.
Ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (below), a BBC pundit for the game, was among the first to react.
Fabregas said: “You realise that it is just a game. We need to enjoy every second and have passion for it, but there are things that don’t matter anymore.
“More important is health. Enjoy what you have in life and be blessed.
“That is it. This is a big shock and a reminder for all of us.”
Presenter Gary Lineker added: “Football doesn’t matter at the moment, it really doesn’t.
“That’s one of the most distressing scenes I think I’ve ever seen at any football match.
“Christian Eriksen falling to the ground, his team-mates surrounding him clearly distraught. “Football put into perspective. “The only thing I can think of remotely like that was Fabrice Muamba. He pulled through, let’s hope Christian pulls through as well.
“So distressing.” New Football Focus anchor Alex Scott added: “I can’t believe what we’re witnessing. Football goes totally out of the window. You’re thinking about his family, all the rest of the players that are out there witnessing it as well. I actually just got on my phone and told my mother I love her. I think it’s a reminder how quickly life can change. Just like that.’
Spurs’ Twitter account said: “All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family. Get well soon. The whole Spurs family is with you.”
Arsenal tweeted: “We’re thinking of Christian Eriksen, his family and @DBUfodbold tonight. Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Christian.”
England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane, a former Spurs team-mate of Eriksen’s, cancelled a Press conference last night to preview today’s clash with Croatia.