DENMARK captain Simon Kjaer has released a first touching statement since helping to save Christian Eriksen’s life.
The defender was praised for the way he led his team-mates in such difficult circumstances on Saturday and throughout the week following Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
He helped form a human shield to protect the playmaker’s privacy while he received CPR on the pitch and consoled Eriksen’s partner as she raced down to the pitch.
Kjaer said: “It has been some very special days, where football has not been the most important thing.
“A shock that will be part of me – part of all of us – forever. The only thing that is important and really matters is that Christian is okay!
“I am proud of the 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.
“Today, we will enter the pitch against Belgium with Christian in our hearts and thoughts.
“It gives us peace in our minds, which allows us to focus on the game of football.
“We will play for Christian, and as always for all of Denmark. That is the greatest motivation for us all.
“As always, we will do our best.”
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Kjaer will lead his team back out again this evening when Denmark take on No1-ranked nation Belgium in Copenhagen.
The two teams have agreed to kick the ball out in the tenth minute to stop play and applaud Eriksen.
He will be watching the match from his hospital bed – and will even get changed into a Denmark shirt while his team-mates take to the field.
One of the doctors who treated the Inter Milan midfielder on the pitch revealed the first words Eriksen spoke after regaining consciousness.
Jens Kleinefeld asked Eriksen: “Well, are you back with us?”
Eriksen replied: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”
It was also confirmed on Thursday morning he will have a heart-starter device fitted to help prevent any repeat cardiac arrests.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
