Denmark Captain Reacts to Eriksen's Collapse: "It Ended in the Best Possible Way"

A visibly shaken Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, captain of Denmark, reacted to Christian Eriksen's collapse this Sunday during the friendly match between the Nordic side and Ukraine.

"The most important thing is that Christian is okay and his family is okay. We went into the dressing room and talked a bit. Now we're trying to regroup and have the opportunity to talk to each other. Some people have questions, others need to talk to their families. Others need to sit and listen for a bit. That's perfectly normal. It's strange to say that this brings back memories," stated the midfielder — one of the players on the pitch when Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest against Finland in 2021 — to TV2.

The Marseille player also praised the swift emergency response: "The response was well-managed, the medical team had everything under control. The players showed respect, the fans showed great respect. It ended in the best possible way, considering what happened. We are all deeply grateful for that, and that's the most important thing."

"It was a shock. The most important thing is that Christian is okay," the captain continued, adding his need to be with his loved ones: "I think I need to see my children and my family. They are who I want to see."

Meanwhile, national team coach Brian Riemer expressed his desire to visit Eriksen in the hospital as soon as possible. "I'm looking forward to seeing him. I'll go see him as soon as I get the chance. I need to see him and talk to him, I feel that. He's a man who has meant a lot to me."

The relationship between Riemer and Eriksen grew stronger during the player's time at Brentford, the club he represented after the 2021 incident and where the coach was Thomas Frank's assistant.

"There are players you become closer to than others, and he was one of those I grew close to because of the experience he brought. And since then, we've also worked together with the national team, so he's someone I have a close relationship with and know very well. That's why, naturally, this affects me deeply," the coach concluded.