“Football is beautiful,” UEFA president hails football family
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin hailed the “unity of the football family” in wishing a speedy recovery to Denmark star Christian Eriksen.
Inter midfielder Eriksen collapsed to the ground with no one around him shortly before half-time of the Euro 2020 Group B fixture between the Danes and Finland in Copenhagen. Team-mates formed a protective shield around Eriksen as medical personnel rushed to resuscitate him, and the match was suspended.
There was later a positive update from the Danish Football Union (DBU), which said Eriksen was conscious and set for further medical examinations. Players, pundits, and fans alike united to rally around and send good thoughts to Eriksen, with UEFA chief Ceferin hailing that collective spirit.
“Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith,” the president’s statement, released via UEFA, read.
“At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone. I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”
Following consultations with both sets of players and coaching staff, the fixture was resumed at 20:30 CET. DBU football director Peter Moller later told Danish publication DR that Eriksen had been in contact with DBU officials and his teammates.
Moller praised the “lightning-fast treatment” Eriksen received at the stadium, which he said “saved” the former Tottenham playmaker.
Tobi Sangotola/sportinglife
