Simon Kjaer has made himself heard in an official response through the channels of the Danish Football Association. The Denmark captain and good friend of Christian Eriksen says he is moved by the events surrounding his teammate. Eriksen went to the ground on Saturday with a cardiac arrest in the game against Finland, but is making up for it under circumstances. Denmark will face Belgium in the second group match at the European Championship on Thursday evening.
Kjaer received only positive reactions after his performance on Saturday. The Denmark captain took care of his teammates, Eriksen and his girlfriend. “It was a very special few days, when football was not the most important thing,” Kjaer said in an official response. “It was a shock, which will forever be a part of my life. A part of all of us. All that matters and really matters is that Christian is okay. I’m proud of how we acted as a team and how we stood together in these difficult times. I am touched and very grateful for all the support.”
Statement from our captain @simonkjaer1989.#ForDanmark #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/2uT6sb2u6I
— DBU – And Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) June 17, 2021
When Eriksen went to the grass, Kjaer intervened immediately. He made sure Eriksen wouldn’t choke by removing the tongue from his mouth. Then Kjaer started CPR until the medical staff reached Eriksen. “Today (Thursday, ed.) we will take the field against Belgium with Christian in our hearts and in our thoughts,” Kjaer continues. “It gives us peace of mind, which allows us to focus on football. We will play for Christian, and as always for all of Denmark. That is the biggest motivation for all of us. As always, we will do our best!”
National coach Kasper Hjulmand has announced that the players of Denmark can decide for themselves whether they will play against Belgium on Thursday. “It is too early to say whether every player will be mentally prepared to play on Thursday,” said Hjulmand. “And it’s okay if a player indicates that he is emotionally not ready to play against Belgium.” The Danish selection was assisted by psychologists as a result of the events surrounding Eriksen. The match against Belgium will have a Dutch touch, as Björn Kuipers has been told that he must steer the game in the right direction. It is Kuipers’ first match at the European Championship.
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