Copenhagen: Danish footballer Christian Eriksen’s future in Italy might be in danger after a report in the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta delo Sport stated that players with permanent ICD (heart starter) are forbidden in the country as per law.
Eriksen suffered a sudden collapse on the pitch in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland last week and had to be given quick CPR before he regained consciousness. The 29-year-old midfielder was taken to the hospital immediately where he underwent successful surgery to implant a heart defibrillator. He was released from the hospital on June 18.
However, according to Italian sports law, the country does not allow players with significant cardiac abnormality to participate in sports. Italian authorities do not allow anyone to play with a permanent ICD as it is prone to breaking on contact or hit. Eriksen currently plays for Inter Milan in the Italian top-flight Serie A.
Had the ICD been not permanent, Eriksen could return back to Serie A after a series of complicated medical surgeries. Eriksen will have his other medical examinations in Milan itself in four to five weeks. Earlier, soon after the incident the Denmark national team doctor Morten Boesen has been with constant touch with a cardiac specialist at Rigshospitalet and Eriksen.
A Danish Football Association statement stated that after several examinations it has been decided that Eriksen should have an ICD. The statement also said Eriksen has accepted the solution and the plan was confirmed by specialists globally.
“After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter). This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances. Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment,” the statement read.
Earlier, Eriksen’s former Ajax teammate Daley Blind had also been fitted with an ICD in 2019 after being diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation. However, if not Italy, Eriksen will definitely play again in some other part of the world.
