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Eriksen opens up on "wonderful feeling" of football return on Brentford debut

mirror.co.uk, 26 February 2022, 17:59
Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen made his return to competitive football after last summer's heart attack, playing 38 minutes for Brentford in their Premier League meeting with Newcastle United

Christian Eriksen has opened up on the "wonderful moment" when he made his return to competitive football, eight months after suffering a heart attack on international duty.

The Danish international came off the bench for Brentford in their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United, replacing compatriot Mathias Jensen early in the second half.

While the result didn't go the Bees' way, those watching were delighted to see the 30-year-old back in action after periods when it looked like he might never return to top-level football.

Eriksen was just as pleased to be back on a football pitch in front of fans, after a couple of appearances in behind-closed-doors friendlies as he worked his way back to match sharpness, and he has spoken of his optimism about keeping Brentford in the top flight.

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"If you take away the result. I'm one happy man," Eriksen said.

"To go through what I've been through, being back is a wonderful feeling.

"Thomas [Frank] didn't say much [when I came on]. I've been speaking to him every day for the last few weeks. He just said good luck and enjoy the game."

The substitution was made even more poignant by the fact that Jensen was the man brought on to replace Eriksen at Euro 2020 when the former Inter Milan man collapsed on the pitch at Copenhagen's Parken stadium, and Eriksen opened up on the support he has received while on the path to recovery.

"It's been very special since day one," he revealed.

"[Brentford] have taken good care of me. Everyone's been really happy about it and everyone's been really helpful.

"Everyone is here. My family, my parents, my kids, my mother in law and some doctors who have been helping me back and forth. What they've been through is even tougher than what I've been through."

The 2-0 reverse was Brentford's seventh defeat in eight games, with Joelinton and Joe Willock scoring Newcastle's goals after home midfielder Josh Dasilva was shown an early red card.

Frank's side are now just three points above the drop-zone, with the five teams below them all having games in hand, but Eriksen's debut - as well as returns for Zanka and Ivan Toney - will give the Bees hope of survival.

"I think everyone knows every game is very important," said Eriksen, who signed for Brentford at the end of January.

"I think everyone's very focused on staying up. Nobody's naive, but everyone's focused on their job. The confidence is definitely there to stay up."

When asked about his targets for the rest of the season, his response was simple: "First of all to get the feeling and touch back, that football feeling, and to help Brentford stay in the Premier League."

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