Inter’s Christian Eriksen trains alone at former club Odense as the January transfer window approaches
Christian Eriksen seems to have no future at Serie A giants Inter, but he is looking to prolong his playing career after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and is currently using the training academy of former club Odense Boldklub ( OB).
The Denmark international has not featured in a game since collapsing in his nation’s opening match in the delayed European Championship final against Finland on June 12.
He received life-saving treatment on the field during that competition, before being taken to the hospital, and has since been fitted with a defibrillator (ICD).
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How’s the situation with Christian Eriksen?
Eriksen can be understood to have taken a significant step back from football since his health was seriously affected.
However, he is eager to return to the pro scene and is aware of the need to stay in shape in case any suitors call.
An OB spokesman told Reuters about the 29-year-old’s presence in his home country: “Eriksen has been in contact with us and he is now training on his own.
“It was natural for him because he played here when he was young and lived around. We are happy to be able to provide training facilities for him.”
Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots added: “Like anyone who has been through what Christian has gone through, he is working to recover. He prefers to do this in his own environment in Milano or when he is in Denmark, privately, in the country of his birth.
“Once in a while, when he has some time in Denmark and when he feels like it, he can use the structure of Odense BK. It’s a great gesture by his old club.
“Chris has a positive personality, is optimistic and full of energy, but it is not yet the time to talk about football. Only Christian can decide if this moment will come or not.”
Eriksen spent three years in OB’s youth system from 2005 to 2008 before joining the prestigious academy team at Ajax.
It was from there that he was brought onto the world stage, spending five years as a senior star in Amsterdam, making 162 appearances, gaining international recognition and a move to Tottenham.
Another six and a half in London, making 305 appearances and scoring 69 goals, before moving to Inter in January 2020.
Why can’t Christian Eriksen play for Inter?
Eriksen has struggled to make the impact he was hoping for upon arriving at the San Siro but has won Serie A championship glory in 2020-21.
He has a contract with the Nerazzurri until 2024, but those at Milan have made it clear they are willing to forgo those terms if another club can be found.
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That’s because Eriksen is not allowed to play in Italian football with a defibrillator.
Francesco Braconaro, a member of the scientific-technical committee of the Italian Football Federation, said in August: “With reference to the registration rights of the player Eriksen, it should be noted that following a serious injury occurred during the European Championships in June 2021, the player has been temporarily banned from sporting activities by Italian health authorities for the current season.
“Although the player’s current condition does not meet the requirement of achieving athletic fitness in Italy, the same can instead be achieved in other countries where the player can continue to function. competition action.
Former Manchester United defender Daley Blind, now with Ajax, is one of those who have continued his career at the highest level after having an ICD implant.
Eriksen hopes to follow a similar path, with the opportunity to use the facilities at Odense to be put to good use before the January transfer window.
