Denmark captain Højbjerg and coach Riemer react to Eriksen’s collapse | OneFootball

VfL Wolfsburg star Christian Eriksen suddenly went to the ground during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine on Sunday evening and lay motionless for a short period, causing concern among teammates, staff and fans that something serious had occurred.

However, there was widespread relief in the stadium as the 34-year-old regained consciousness and was able to walk off the pitch himself before being taken to hospital for further tests.

The incident brought back painful memories of Denmark’s Euro 2021 opener against Finland, during which Eriksen also collapsed. Following that episode, the 34-year-old VfL Wolfsburg midfielder had a pacemaker implanted, which appeared to function as intended on Sunday evening.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was visibly moved by the incident when he spoke to Danish broadcaster TV 2 after the match was abandoned.

“The most important thing is that Christian is okay – and that his family is okay. We went into the dressing room and spoke a bit there. Now you try to collect yourself and get the chance to talk things through with each other. Some people have questions, and others need to talk to their families. Some need to sit and listen a bit. That’s completely okay. It feels strange to say it brings back memories,” Højbjerg said.

“The overriding thing is that the response was handled well, and that the medical staff had everything under control. And that the players showed respect, and that the fans showed great respect. It ended as well as it possibly could – given what happened. We are all deeply grateful for that, and that is the most important thing.

“It was a shock. The most important thing is that Christian is doing well,” Højbjerg continued, adding:

“I think I need to see my children and my family. They are the ones I want to see.”

Denmark coach Brian Riemer said he wanted to visit Eriksen in hospital as soon as possible.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him. I’m going over to see him now as soon as I have the chance. I need to see him and talk to him, I can feel that. He is a man who has meant a great deal to me.”

Since his time with Eriksen at Brentford – the club the Denmark star joined when he resumed his career after the 2021 incident – the two have grown close.

“There are some players you become closer to than others, and he was one of those I became close to because of the experience he came with. And since then, we’ve also worked together with the national team, so he is someone I have a close relationship with and know very well. That is why it naturally sits very deeply with me,” Riemer said.