Denmark midfielder, Simon Kjaer and the team’s medical staff have been awarded the 2021 UEFA President’s Award after saving the life of Christian Eriksen who suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during Denmark’s UEFA EURO 2020 group stage match against Finland at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on June 12, 2021.
Kjaer is honored for his quick reaction during the incident. He not only put Eriksen in the recovery position while performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but also used his teammates to cover Eriksen from the media while he was in his vulnerable state.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described the recipients of the award as the true heroes of EURO 2020, and it was indeed a great honour for him to present them with the UEFA President's Award.
"This year, the President’s Award transcends football," he said. "It serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective," he added.
The UEFA President also wished a quick recovery to Christian Eriksen.
On the other hand, the 29-year-old Inter Milan’s midfielder expressed his gratitude to Kjaer, the medics and his teammates for saving his life.
“I would like to thank Morten (Skjoldager), Morten (Boesen) and the medical team who helped in Parken on June 12. You did a fantastic job and saved my life. Also, a big thanks to my friend and captain Simon and my team-mates in the Danish team for your support, both on June 12 and afterwards,” stated Eriksen.
Kjaer, however, played down his heroic role, insisting that he only did what was deemed necessary at the time.
“I try to lead the team on and off the pitch, in every aspect of life, as footballers, when we're together, and I think it's one of the biggest privileges I have in my career,” stated the Danish captain.
“I've known Christian for many years. He has a great family, he has a lot of friends, a lot of team-mates that want the best for him. As long as he's happy and his family is good, I'm happy,” he concluded.
Eriksen is currently recuperating and is yet to return to action.