The governing body of European football, UEFA, has invited Denmark international player Christian Eriksen and the medics who saved his life during the on-field cardiac arrest he suffered to the EURO 2020 final at Wembley Stadium.
Eriksen’s collapse occurred in his first match of the tournament at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark. The incident occurred on June 12 against Finland. CPR had to be administered and the medics restarted Eriksen’s heart using a defibrillator. Eriksen is currently recovering at home.
Eriksen, his wife and six medics were invited to attend the final. However, it is unclear who will be in attendance.
Paramedic, Peder Ersgaard, said he was honored to receive the invitation from UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin. “I’m excited, like a child on Christmas Eve. I’m very proud of my efforts, but also of the whole team. It wasn’t a one-man effort,” he told Fagbladet FOA.
Denmark reached the semifinal where their magical run came to an end as England defeated them in extra time. England advances to the final where they will face Italy, who defeated Spain in a penalty shootout.
Before Denmark’s loss, Ersgaard was optimistic about watching Denmark compete for the championship. “I hope to see Denmark against Italy. That would be really, really big. Just imagine if they become European champions,” Ersgaard said.
Prior to England’s victory over Denmark, English goal scorer Harry Kane said he hoped to see his former Tottenham teammate Eriksen at the final. “I look forward to seeing Eriksen and catching up with him. Of course it would be nice if England are playing in the final and I can catch up with him after hopefully a happy day. I’m good friends with Christian and his family as well. Whether he decides to come or not, of course I hope to catch up with him soon. From my point of view, I’m glad he is recovering well and just hope he continues on that path until we do meet again,” said Kane.
