Christian Ericsen has confirmed that he is ready a return to professional football, six months after suffering cardiac arrest Euro 2020.
The midfielder, 29, left Inter Milan in December after Serie A banned him from playing with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a device that corrects abnormal heart rhythms.
“My goal is to play the World Cup in Qatar,” said Eriksen, who is now a free agent. “That’s always been my mentality. It’s a goal, a dream.
“If I’m selected it’s different, but it’s my dream to come back. I’m sure I can come back because I don’t feel any different. Physically, I’m in perfect shape.”
“That was my goal and there’s still a long way to go, so until then I’ll play football and show that I’m back at the same level.”
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Christian Eriksen is aiming for a comeback in the Premier League
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Several top European clubs will be interested in signing Eriksen, although his agent insists his wish is a return to the club First League.
“Playing in England again would absolutely be a homecoming for Chris and his family,” added Martin Schoots.
“Christian has been treated exceptionally well by the British public, not only for his great footballing skills but also for his human values, humility and selflessness.”
With that in mind, Mirror Football are considering five possible Premier League goals for Eriksen… including a homecoming in north London.
Tottenham
Eriksen played for Tottenham between August 2013 and January 2020
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The most obvious goal would be Tottenham. Eriksen spent six and a half years at Spurs before joining Inter in January 2020 and making more than 300 appearances in all competitions.
During his time in north London, the Denmark international reached the Champions League and EFL Cup Finals, as well as runners-up in the Premier League.
Eriksen also won Serie A under current Spurs manager Antonio Conte, who has suggested he could return to the club.
“Obviously it was great, it was okay to see him on the pitch, to see him kick a ball,” Conte said when asked about Eriksen’s return.
“What happened this summer was not good, not good for the people who worked with him and the people who know him. I was scared at that moment.
“And now to see him ready to play football again is great news. I think the door is always open for Christian.”
And Tottenham are aiming for more creativity at the top end of the pitch, having hit the back of the net just 23 times this season in the Premier League – the same as 17th place Watford.
newcastle
Eddie Howe is in dire need of adding some quality to his Newcastle squad
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It wouldn’t be a “five potential travel destinations” article without including the mega-rich newcastle.
The Saudi Arabia-backed club are desperate for some quality at the top of the pitch and have managed just 20 goals in as many Premier League games this season.
Headed towards relegation – an unthinkable prospect for the club’s new owners – Newcastle are in dire need of putting together a decent squad if they are to stay on top.
They can afford to pay Eriksen big bucks and a six-month deal until the end of the season could be ideal for both sides.
However, whether the Serie A winner and Champions League finalist would be ready for a relegation battle remains a big question.
west ham
West Ham manager David Moyes is chasing a Champions League spot
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Eriksen is a talent that deserves to play in Europe, something west ham could offer him this season and possibly next.
David Moyes’ team is currently flying and has a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League. It is currently in fourth place with a two-point lead arsenal in the fifth.
West Ham are perhaps just a player away from taking on a serious top-four challenge and Eriksen could be the man to bring them that extra bit of quality.
The Hammers have been linked with Jesse Lingard, who scored nine goals in 16 Premier League games for them on loan last season, but a deal seems unlikely.
Lingard’s current employers, Manchester United, are battling West Ham for Champions League football and the Red Devils will not want their rivals to gain an advantage.
Eriksen also knows London well after his long spell at Tottenham and would be a lot cheaper – and probably better – than anyone West Ham could realistically afford.
leicester
Leicester’s European hopes aren’t over yet but manager Brendan Rodgers needs reinforcements
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The Foxes have endured a difficult season so far, finishing 10th in the Premier League and suffering heartbreak in the Europa League.
Remarkably, however, her season isn’t over yet. They are just 12 points behind West Ham in fourth place with three games in hand and can still win the Europa Conference League.
In the last two seasons leicester started strong but faltered late and missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day.
They will now try to do the opposite this season and a brand signing in January – like Eriksen – could give them the boost they need.
Leicester are also going through an injury crisis at the moment. Jamie Vardy (hamstring), Jonny Evans (hamstring), Ricardo Pereira (knee) and Wesley Fofana (leg) are all long-term absentees.
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Four players – Kelechi Iheanacho, Nampalys Mendy, Daniel Amartey and Wilfred Ndidi – are also in the Africa Cup of Nations, while five or six players are suffering from strokes.
And manager Brendan Rodgers has previously expressed interest in Eriksen, making a loan offer to his former club Inter around this time last year.
“Financially for us, we’re not like other clubs where we can go and spend that money,” the Foxes boss said on Friday. “It will be difficult for many clubs.
“The club have always been very supportive and if we get the chance to sign a player who can help us, we will do it.
“We know that some of these players will come back later, but of course there is a need now and we are looking into that.”
everton
Rafa Benitez needs to win soon if he wants to keep his job at Everton
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Troubled Toffees coach Rafa Benitez urgently needs to change the team’s fortunes… and Eriksen could be the man to save their season.
everton are currently 15th in the Premier League – just six points clear of relegation – and are in danger of slipping into the league.
Benitez’s side are short of funds due to financial fair play restrictions and it would be quite a coup to land Eriksen on a free transfer.
But Everton are a mess at the moment. Rumors have suggested the board are considering sacking Benitez and few players will want to join a club under the circumstances.
If a move to Goodison Park is Eriksen’s only option in the Premier League, he could leave. However, the uncertainty surrounding Benitez’s position could dashed their hopes.
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