Christian Eriksen is unlikely to play football professionally again after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 match between Denmark and Finland.
The former Spurs midfielder suddenly fell to the ground just before half time and was treated on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Now, cardiologist Professor Sanjay Sharma, who previously worked with Eriksen at Tottenham Hotspur, says he doubts the player will continue playing football.
Sharma, professor of sports cardiology at London’s St George’s University, said football bodies and medical practitioners were likely to be “very strict” about allowing Eriksen to play again.
He said: “I don’t know whether he’ll ever play football again. Without putting it too bluntly, he died today, albeit for a few minutes, but he did die and would the medical professional allow him to die again? The answer is no.
“I think the Football Association will be very strict about whether he plays again or not. In the UK he wouldn’t play. We’d be very strict about it.”
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand struggled to hold back tears during his post-match press conference and revealed his side had the choice of finishing the Group B opener on the night or returning on Sunday June 13.
“It was more unmanageable to have to restart tomorrow. It was more unmanageable than going back out now and getting it all put behind us,” he said.
“I could not be more proud of this team, who take good care of each other.
“There are players in there who are completely finished emotionally. Players who on another day could not play this match. They are supporting each other. It was a traumatic experience.”
