Football unites in support of Christian Eriksen

From the chants of Finnish and Danish spectators and the fans gathered outside a Copenhagen hospital to the chorus of well wishes echoing across social media, the football world has united in its support of Denmark’s Christian Eriksen.

The 29-year-old Inter Milan player’s medical condition is reported as stable after receiving emergency treatment during his national team’s EURO 2020 Group B match against Finland on Saturday evening and being taken to the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.

UEFA president Aleksander ČeferinUEFA via Getty Images

"Moments like this put everything in life into perspective," said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin in a message sent on Saturday evening. "I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith.

"At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong, and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone. I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully."

Danish national association thanks everyone for wishes

"We would like to thank everyone for the heartfelt greetings to Christian Eriksen from fans, players, the royal families from both Denmark and England, international associations, clubs etc," said the Danish football association in a tweeted update on Sunday, which confirmed Eriksen is stable and undergoing further examination.

"We encourage everyone to send their greetings to the Danish FA, where we will make sure they are all passed on to Christian and his family."

Joe Pohjanpalo, the Finnish striker who scored the game’s only goal, said: "It’s amazing how football connects people." The match resumed after the Danish players had received reassuring news about Eriksen’s condition and asked to play on.

Danish and Finnish fans show support

When the two teams returned to the pitch, both Danish and Finnish fans chanted Eriksen’s name. Fans who were at the game also gathered outside the Rigshospitalet, while the footballing world, including former team-mates, friends and opponents, sent their best wishes on social media.

"Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate," tweeted Harry Kane, while fellow Spurs player Son Heung-Min dedicated a goal to his former team-mate by holding up his hands in a ‘23’ gesture.

Inter Milan, whom Eriksen has just helped to win the 2020/21 Serie A championship, tweeted, "Forza Chris, all our thoughts are with you!" while his previous club, Spurs, also sent their best wishes: "Get well soon, Christian. The whole Spurs family is with you."

Lukaku’s on-pitch message: 'Chris, Chris, I love you.'

Perhaps, Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku best captured the football world’s sentiments by sprinting straight to nearest camera after scoring in his team’s victory over Russia later on Saturday evening and shouting, "Chris, Chris, I love you."

"There were a lot of tears before the game," said Lukaku of his Inter team-mate. "It was very difficult to focus for this match. I hope he gets well again; he has two young children, they need him and so do we as a team."

"What an emotional roller-coaster this day has been," said Tim Sparv, captain of Finland’s national team. "Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his loved ones during these difficult times. Football is so insignificant when something like this happens. Life is precious. Take care of each other."