Denmark's Eriksen considers World Cup comeback after cardiac arrest

Dane collapsed while playing for his country against Finland at Euro 2020 in Copenhagen

Denmark's Christian Eriksen during the Denmark-Finland match. Reuters

Christian Eriksen said on Tuesday he intended to return to football to play for Denmark at the World Cup but his interview with a Danish broadcaster posed many questions, with the player's future still up in the air.

The Dane recently had his contract terminated by Inter Milan after he had a heart-starter device implanted following his collapse while playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in Copenhagen.

Such devices are not permitted in Italy and his career there was effectively ended.

The interview, part of which was published by public service broadcaster DR on Tuesday, could be seen as a come-and-get-me plea from the soft-spoken 29-year-old, but his options for a return remain uncertain.

His former teammate Daley Blind had a similar device fitted and is playing at Ajax Amsterdam, the Dutch club where Eriksen broke through before joining Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and a number of clubs are likely to be in the market for a player of his ability.

He is exactly the kind of creative spark needed at Premier League strugglers Newcastle United, who are awash with money after a recent takeover by a Saudi consortium.

Eriksen knows, however, he will have to convince any prospective employer that he is fit enough to play.

“That's really why I feel it's time to get out and do an interview, because I know what I want — I want to play football again,” he said during an interview with Danish broadcaster DR1, which aired on Tuesday.

“My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar,” Eriksen said.

“That has been my mindset all along.”

Eriksen looked relaxed as he discussed what the future might hold and took the opportunity to assure clubs that his heart can be trusted.

“They [the doctors] have said 'fine', said it's good, so everything is stable, which therefore feels like a green light to be able to play football again,” Eriksen said.

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  Tottenham's Christian Eriksen during the FA Cup third round match against Middlesborough at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. EPA

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  Tottenham's Christian Eriksen is free to talk to overseas clubs as he enters the final months of his contract. EPA

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  Christian Eriksen in action with Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton. Reuters

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  Tottenham's Christian Eriksen applauds fans after the match, which could be his last for club. Reuters

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  Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela. EPA

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  Christian Eriksen vies for the ball against Middlesborough's Lewis Wing. EPA

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  Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen in action. Reuters

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  Tottenham's Christian Eriksen vies for the ball against Middlesborough's Dael Fry. EPA

Virtually his last public gesture was to wave to fans as he was carried from the Parken Stadium pitch on a stretcher, having effectively died, only to be brought back to life.

Never one to court the spotlight, he has stayed out of public view during his rehabilitation until he felt ready to make a return.

Now without a club for the first time in his glittering career, his future in the game is unclear.

“In the world of football, you can never really decide for yourself where you are going,” he said.