AN emotional Romelu Lukaku dedicated his goal in Belgium’s Euro 2020 clash with Russia to stricken Inter Milan team-mate Christian Eriksen.
The Denmark midfielder collapsed in shocking scenes during Saturday’s clash with Finland and received a strong message of support from his clubmate.
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Lukaku, 28, took advantage of slack Russian defending to swivel and fire Belgium in front during Saturday’s clash in Saint Petersburg.
Heading straight to the nearest television camera, the striker sent a message to Eriksen while he recovers in hospital.
He said: “Chris, Chris… I send you: I love you.”
Both Eriksen and Lukaku joined Inter during the 2019-20 season and starred in the club’s recent Serie A title win.
And they were drawn to compete in the same Euros group with Denmark and Belgium due to face off in Copenhagen on Thursday.
The Danes suffered a 1-0 defeat after their opener versus Finland was staggeringly completed following Eriksen’s collapse.
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– BEEB FURY BBC apologises after fans slam them for not cutting away after Eriksen collapsed
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The 29-year-old received treatment, including CPR, as his team-mates formed a human barrier to allow medics to work away from the eyes of the camera and fans in the stadium.
Taken to hospital, Uefa soon confirmed he had stabilised and was awake and Denmark players agreed to see out the game while Belgium’s match went ahead as planned.
The football world united to send its best wishes to Eriksen, particularly during the initial horrendously nervous wait for news on his condition.
Lukaku followed up his opener with a late second, with Thomas Meunier scoring in between for a 3-0 win.
He said post-game: “I enjoyed the game but for me, it was difficult to play because my mind was with my team-mate Christian Eriksen.
“I hope he is healthy and I dedicate this performance to him.
I cried a lot because I was scared, obviously. You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family.
Romelu Lukaku
“I cried a lot [when I heard of his collapse] because I was scared, obviously. You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family.
“My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his two kids and his family. We are a confident team. Today we put in a great performance.
“I’m really happy for the team. Hopefully we can grow into the tournament.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
