Christian Erisken in negotiation with Brentford to resume playing after this summer’s heart attack

Thumbnail Picture: Hannah McKay - Reuters

Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen is ready to sign a six-month contract with Brentford F.C.

However, the completion of the deal is still pending due to the thorough medical process that Eriksen will have to go through, given the cardiac arrest that he suffered this summer at Euro 2020 and the subsequent implementation of an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) fitted to his heart.

The extensive medical checks will be conducted by a club-assigned sports cardiologist, with the F.A. (Football Association) and the Premier League that will review and eventually approve the cardiological assessment before giving their final approval.

It all started seven months ago, June 12, when Eriksen was playing the first match of the group stage at Euro 2020 with his national team, Denmark.

The images of Eriksen collapsing on the pitch, the steady intervention of Denmark’s captain Simon Kjaer, practicing basic first aid maneuvers which, in a second time, will be reported to having been crucial for Eriksen’s survival, and the “shield” formed by the whole Denmark team around their teammate as if to protect him, are carved in the memories of everyone watching the match that afternoon.

Photograph: Catherine Ivill/AFP/Getty Images

It would be, thus, wonderful news for every soccer fan to see Eriksen back on the pitch.

At the time of the cardiac arrest, Eriksen was playing for Inter Milan. However, the contract was terminated due to an Italian regulation that prevents athletes from practicing sports professionally with an ICD fitted to the heart.

Eriksen, however, has never kept private the wish to resume his career, and even publicly declared his goal to lead his Denmark in the Qatar World Cup, which will be disputed later this year.

Being a free agent, and therefore not subjected to the 31st January transfer window deadline, there is no rush for Eriksen to sign a new contract.

Only time, and accurate checks, will tell if Eriksen will be back dispensing illuminating assists on a professional soccer field.