Just over a year since his terrifying collapse at Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen has agreed to a deal with Man United.
The 30-year-old free agent‘s signing marks the start of the Red Devil’s summer business. Initially reported by David Ornstein, he joins United after finishing last season at Brentford. Eriksen will sign a three-year deal to stay at Old Trafford until 2025, per The Guardian.
It is a truly stunning redemption arc for a player who at one point looked like he may never grace a football field again.
2021: Cardiac arrest and Inter exit
During Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 game against Finland, Eriksen collapsed on the pitch towards the end of the first half. He required immediate medical attention, and medics resuscitated him on the field.
In a very distressing scene, the player received treatment for what seemed like forever before staff stretchered him off. Later, reports stated that Eriksen had suffered a cardiac arrest but was awake and stable in hospital.
A few weeks after the event, Eriksen had an operation to fit a pacemaker-like device in his chest. For many, this shocking and traumatic event signalled the premature end of Eriksen’s football career.
Additionally, the Denmark international’s then-team Inter Milan terminated his contract in December 2021 – leaving him without a club. This is because footballers cannot play with pacemakers fitted in Italy.
But Eriksen was not ready to give up on his playing career. Just seven months after the life-threatening incident, he was back.
2022: Eriksen returns to professional football
On the January transfer deadline day, Premier League newcomers Brentford signed Eriksen as a free agent. His short-term deal ran until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Impressively, the Denmark midfielder had an immediate impact. Eriksen’s creativity in the middle of the pitch revitalised the London club, as he notched five goal contributions in eleven matches. As a result, Brentford finished their inaugural Premier League season in 13th place.
The move also allowed Eriksen to get himself back in the national team fold with Denmark in March 2022. He made his first international appearance since the incident at Euro 2020 in a match against the Netherlands. Unfortunately, Denmark lost the game 4-2.
But the overriding memory of that game was Eriksen’s immediate impact. Coming on as a substitute, the midfielder scored with his first touch, sweeping home a cross coolly.
It was an amazing moment and a hint at the quality that the Dane still possesses. In the following match, he proved his ability once more. Eriksen captained the side and scored in a convincing 3-0 win over Serbia.
So, it is unsurprising that he had many potential suitors as a free agent in this transfer window.
July 2022: Christian Eriksen agrees on Man United move
Despite interest from Brentford, Spurs, and Everton, Christian Eriksen has reportedly opted for a move to Man United.
Here, he becomes one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings, alongside Tyrell Malacia. Once he is confirmed, Eriksen will link up with the squad for pre-season training ahead of a tour of Asia and Australia.
It has been a whirlwind twelve months for the midfielder. What he has managed to achieve has been nothing short of astonishing.
Featured image credit: Getty
