Christian Eriksen restarts football career

Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to football eight months after his cardiac arrest on Saturday.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank brought on Denmark playmaker Eriksen in the 52nd minute with his side trailing 2-0 at home to Newcastle after goals from Joelinton and Joseph Willock.

It was the first appearance in a competitive match for the 30-year-old former Tottenham and Inter Milan playmaker since he collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 match against Finland in June.

Eriksen has been fitted with a implantable cardioverter defibrillator but was unable to continue his career with Italian champions Inter, with ICDs not permitted in Serie A.

The midfielder was given a standing ovation by the crowd and both sets of players at the Brentford Community Stadium as he made his entrance.

But he was unable to influence the scoreline, with Newcastle’s 2-0 win lifting them above Brentford, who are now just three points above the relegation zone.