Football
Reuters 3y

Euro 2020: Christian Eriksen and medics who saved him invited to final by UEFA

European football governing body UEFA has invited Denmark international Christian Eriksen and the paramedics who helped save his life during an on-field cardiac arrest to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

Eriksen collapsed on the field at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in the first half of Denmark's game against Finland on June 12. CPR was administered and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator as players shielded the medics.

He is now recovering at home.

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UEFA said Eriksen, his wife and six medics were invited to the final, but there was no confirmation whether the Internazionale midfielder would attend.

One of the paramedics, Peder Ersgaard, said he was honoured to receive a VIP invite from UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin.

"I'm excited, like a child on Christmas Eve," he told Fagbladet FOA magazine.

"I'm very proud of my efforts, but also of the whole team. It wasn't a one-man effort."

Eriksen's agent could not immediately be reached by phone.

Denmark have reached the semifinals and play England on Wednesday for a place in the final, with the winner taking on Italy, who defeated Spain on penalties.  

"I hope to see Denmark against Italy. That would be really, really big. Just imagine if they become European champions," Ersgaard said.

England captain Harry Kane said he hopes to see his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate at Wembley, preferably if the Three Lions are lifting the trophy.

"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."

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