Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest ‘one of scariest moments of my life’, says Denmark star Martin Braithwaite
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN'S cardiac arrest during Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland was one of the scariest moments of Martin Braithwaite's life.
The Barcelona forward was leading the line for the Danes when the Inter Milan playmaker collapsed and needed CPR on the pitch.
Eriksen's team-mates - including Braithwaite - looked distraught as they formed a protective ring around the stricken Inter Milan star.
The former Tottenham man was eventually taken off the pitch on a stretcher after 13 minutes of intense medical treatment.
And the Danish FA confirmed on Sunday morning that Eriksen was stable in hospital and would undergo further tests.
Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed on Sunday afternoon the 29-year-old underwent a cardiac arrest.
Braithwaite, 30, played the full game - including after it was resumed - and took to social media on Sunday to share the impact it had on him.
He posted a photo of the Denmark team in a huddle and wrote: "Last night was one of the scariest moments of my life.
"My thoughts are with Christian, his wife, kids and family. I’m grateful that he’s stable and alive.
"Right now, that’s all that matters. Hope to see you soon my friend."
On Sunday, Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand slammed Uefa for giving his players a tough choice to make after they were told to choose between playing the game on Saturday night or Sunday at midday.
The 49-year-old also said the decision to restart the game at 7.30pm on Saturday night was wrong.
He said: "I think it was the wrong thing to make the decision between the two scenarios in this case.
"The players didn't know if they lost their best friend and they had to decide [whether to play].
"I have a feeling we shouldn't have played, to just get on the bus and go home and see what the next days brought.
"It was a tough message that the players had to try and make a decision. I have a sense that it was wrong the players were put in this situation.
"I am really proud to be the coach of a team that responded the way they did. Football showed its best face. Team spirit, compassion and love is what football is really about."
Denmark's players received psychological help after watching Eriksen collapse.
And Wembley sent its best wishes to the Dane before England got their Euro 2020 campaign off to a perfect start on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Croatia.
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