Transfer Centre
Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020; midfielder was released by Inter Milan last month because Italian rules do not allow someone to play with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator; Eriksen’s “dream” is to play at this year’s World Cup
Assistant News Editor @SkySportsLyall
Tuesday 18 January 2022 14:51, UK
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Brentford are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Christian Eriksen, with head coach Thomas Frank “flattered” by the links.
The Bees have enquired about Eriksen’s plans following his release from Inter Milan last month, although head coach Frank refused to comment directly on the club’s interest during his press conference on Tuesday ahead of their game with Manchester United this week.
There is a strong Danish connection at Brentford, with Frank and international team-mates Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen among many known to Eriksen.
The Denmark international is assessing his options as he trains in southern Switzerland, just over the border from his home in Italy near Milan.
He said: “I think if we or any club sign a player [like him], he is a player who only plays for the top clubs. Something unfortunately happened with Christian, things have changed a bit, he deserves to play at the highest level and I hope that he does.
“Under normal circumstances, there would be no rumours about a club like us. I guess we should be flattered that there are rumours. I can tell you Christian is a really good player, everyone knows he’s a top Danish player. I’ve worked with him in the past, he needs to find a club.
“I love to speak about players who are in-house, running around on our training pitch. I don’t think I should discuss him – maybe I should discuss Messi and Ronaldo, but besides that I’m not talking about it too much.”
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Elsewhere, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte has also said the “door is always open” to Eriksen at Spurs after they worked together at Inter.
The midfielder spent six-and-a-half years at Tottenham before leaving for Inter in 2020.
Eriksen left the Serie A side by mutual consent after being suspended by the Italian medical authority from playing in Serie A due to a rule prohibiting the use of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device he has had implanted.
The 29-year-old was fitted with the ICD after he suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland in Copenhagen.
Eriksen revealed earlier this month he “died for five minutes” before being revived by medics, who gave life-saving treatment on the pitch.
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He also told Danish broadcaster DR he wants to play at this year’s World Cup.
Eriksen said: “My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar. I want to play. That’s been my mindset all along. It’s a goal, a dream.
“Whether I’ll be picked is another thing, but it’s my dream to come back.
“Physically, I’m back in top shape. I want to prove I’ve moved on and that I can play on the national team again.
“It’s up to the manager to assess my level but my heart is not an obstacle.”
Last month, Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots told Sky Sports News the midfielder was “optimistic” about resuming his football career and had been working hard to return to playing.
Who will be on the move in January?
The January transfer window opened on Saturday, January 1, 2022 and closes at 11pm on Monday, January 31.
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