Eriksen is not allowed to play in Italy with a defibrillator fitted
Christian Eriksen is reportedly ‘tempted’ by a sensational return to former club Ajax, where he would be allowed to play with a heart defibrillator fitted.
The Inter Milan midfielder was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in June, which regulates any further changes in his heartbeat.
Eriksen collapsed suddenly with no one near him, and received immediate CPR treatment from medical staff before being taken to hospital. He was released from hospital six days later after being fitted with an ICD.
The 29-year-old has not played since he collapsed in the summer and despite looking ahead to a return to action, he will not be allowed to do so in Italy.
Serie A rules block players who are fitted with a defibrillator from featuring in the league, meaning that a move away from the San Siro looks more than likely for the Dane.
Francesco Braconaro, a member of the Italian FA’s technical scientific committee, recently stated that the former Spurs man would need to have his defibrillator removed if he was to play in Italian football again – this is because it would show that he has no further heart problems.
However, reports in Italy are suggesting that Eriksen could be offered the chance to return to action by returning for former club Ajax.
🚨 Christian Eriksen could return to football in the next months. He will not play for #Inter again, but Ajax has shown interest, as the Netherlands has less restrictions for his heart condition.
[via @NicoSchira]
— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) November 2, 2021
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, a move to the Dutch side is a possibility for Eriksen – with Inter set to make a decision on his future together with the player and his entourage.
The Eredivisie does not have the same restrictions as Serie A, which would mean that the midfielder would be able to continue playing with an ICD.
It is thought that the nineteen-time Italian champions do not expect to sell Eriksen for a fee, but instead will terminate his contract and allow him to join another club.
Eriksen – who has played 60 times for Inter Milan since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 – helped the Italian outfit to win their first Serie A title in 11 years last season.
Although his contract at Inter doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, it is expected that he will leave the club in the coming months.
Netherlands and Ajax defender Daley Blind is also fitted with an ICD after being diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation, but the former Manchester United man has continued to play for the Eredivisie champions.
Related links:
- Christian Eriksen not allowed to play in Italy with fitted ICD
- Eriksen pictured for the first time since leaving hospital after cardiac arrest
- Christian Eriksen sends message to fans after hospital discharge
