Eriksen discharged and 'doing well' after ICD fires during Denmark friendly

Christian Eriksen has been discharged from hospital and returned home to his family after his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) activated during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine on Sunday, causing the 34-year-old to briefly lose consciousness and the match to be abandoned.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Eriksen moved to reassure supporters that the incident was distinct from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020. “I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family,” he wrote. “As you can probably imagine, receiving a shock from my ICD has had a major impact on both me and my family, but I want to reassure everyone that this was a different situation from what happened in 2021. I am feeling good, and my recovery has already started.”

Eriksen also paid tribute to those who assisted him on the pitch and to the medical team that has managed his heart condition over the years. “Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it,” he said.

Denmark national team doctor Morten Boesen had earlier confirmed the former Manchester United and Tottenham midfielder was in positive spirits. “I spoke to Christian this morning and he is doing well. He is with his family and in good spirits,” Boesen said on Monday.

Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening game at Euro 2020 in Copenhagen and was fitted with an ICD before making a remarkable return to professional football. He went on to play for Brentford, Manchester United, and continued representing Denmark at international level.

In his statement, Eriksen said his immediate focus would be on recovery and family time. “For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children,” he wrote.