Graeme Souness insists it will be ‘difficult’ for Christian Eriksen to play football again after cardiac arrest

GRAEME SOUNESS insists it will be ‘difficult’ for Christian Eriksen to play football again following his cardiac arrest.

The Denmark star, 29, collapsed on the pitch during his country’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland last Saturday.

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Christian Eriksen is on the road to recovery following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020Credit: Reuters

He was given CPR and one shock with a defibrillator which revived the Inter Milan star.

Eriksen is recovering in hospital but it is unclear whether he will be forced to retire or if he can resume his playing career.

And Souness, who suffered a heart attack in 2015 and had a triple heart bypass in 1992 aged 38, praised the work of leading heart-research organisations but has his doubts regarding Eriksen’s football.

Speaking on ITV before Denmark faced Belgium yesterday evening, the former Scotland international said: “It’s incredible.

“I’m an ambassador for British Heart Foundation, the research they do, they keep improving the techniques, they do an incredible job.

“Heart disease is the biggest killer in the country. It impacted me – it happened 29 years ago, I’m still sitting here.

“Looking at what happened to [Eriksen], it will be difficult for him to play again. He just keeled over. We hope he does play again but it will be very difficult.

“That could happen putting the bins out, cutting the grass. It doesn’t have to be an exertion. He’s unlucky but lucky.”

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Eriksen was able to watch last night’s game from his hospital bed wearing his Denmark shirt.

The game stopped in the tenth minute as players, coaches, referees and supporters showed their united support of the playmaker with applause.

Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed the Eriksen will have a heart-starter device fitted to help prevent any repeat cardiac arrests.

One of the doctors who treated the Inter Milan midfielder on the pitch revealed the first words the ex-Tottenham man spoke after regaining consciousness.

Jens Kleinefeld asked the stricken ace: “Well, are you back with us?”

Eriksen replied: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”

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The world held its breath after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch

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Graeme Souness suffered a heart attack in 2015 and is an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation Belgium kick ball off at 10th minute at Euro 2020 in tribute to Denmark’s Eriksen