Christian Eriksen ‘one happy man’ after Brentford debut eight months after cardiac arrest

Christian Eriksen insists he is ‘one happy man’ despite Brentford marking his return to football with a disappointing 2-0 defeat by relegation rivals Newcastle. Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest at last summer’s Euro 2020, was a 52nd-minute substitute for the 10-man Bees on Saturday. It was his first competitive appearance in eight months after his scary ordeal at the Euros.

Joelinton and Joe Willock scored first-half goals for a Newcastle side rejuvenated following last October’s mega-money takeover.  

Brentford had Josh Dasilva sent off after just 11 minutes. The midfielder has only recent returned from a lengthy absence of his own.  

Eriksen had not played since collapsing during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland last June.  

The 30-year-old was unable to feature for former club Inter Milan as the defibrillator device fitted to his heart is not prohibited in Serie A.

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Brentford swooped in to sign the ex-Tottenham playmaker from the Italian side, with Danish boss Thomas Frank key to the move.  

Eriksen had featured in two behind-closed-doors friendlies for the West Londoners before making his top-flight bow against Newcastle.  

“If you take away the result. I’m one happy man. To go through what I’ve been through, being back is a wonderful feeling,” the midfielder said.  

“Thomas [Frank] didn’t say much [when I came on]. I’ve been speaking to him every day for the last few weeks. He just said good luck and enjoy the game.

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Asked what his aims are for the remainder of the season, Eriksen added: “First of all to get the feeling and touch back, that football feeling, and to help Brentford stay in the Premier League.” 

Brentford’s defeat leaves them 15^th on 24 points and staring ominously at the Premier League’s relegation zone.  

Several teams below them – including Newcastle, Burnley and Watford – picked up important points on Saturday.  

Burnley drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace while Watford held Manchester United to a goalless draw. Those results leave Brentford – who have won just two of their last 16 Premier League games – three points above the relegation zone.