After reports he was in advanced negotiations with Brentford, Ajax have announced former Inter midfielder Christian Eriksen is training with them. ‘It feels like coming home.’
The Denmark international collapsed in cardiac arrest during his nation’s UEFA EURO 2020 match against Finland in June and was given an implanted cardiac defibrillator.
Italian rules bar anyone with an ICD from participating in sport, even if it means working out in a gym, so he had to terminate his contract with Inter by mutual consent if he wanted to resume his career.
Although there were reports of a deal with Premier League side Brentford, that does not seem to be imminent, as Eriksen is now training with his old club Ajax’s youth team.
“I am very happy to be here,” Eriksen told the Dutch club’s website.
“At Ajax I know the people, it feels like coming home because I was here for so long.
“All facilities are available here and with Jong Ajax I can train at a high level in a group. That’s the perfect foundation for me at the moment.
“I want to be at my best again as soon as possible so that when I find a new club, I can perform well there as quickly as possible.”
The 29-year-old is training with the Ajax youth team under coach John Heitinga, who said his presence “sets an example for many of our boys.”
Eriksen turns 30 next month and came up through the Ajax academy until leaving for Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
Legends are always welcome ♥️@ChrisEriksen8 is training with Jong Ajax this week. The Danish international is working to keep his fitness levels until he finds a new club.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 25, 2022