UEFA honors Denmark captain Kjaer, medical staff for saving Eriksen's life
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and numerous medical staff will receive the 2021 UEFA President's Award for saving Christian Eriksen's life when he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Euro 2020 match in June.
Kjaer was one of the first people to reach Eriksen when he fell. He put his international teammate in the recovery position and started the initial CPR procedure as medical teams made their way onto the pitch. Kjaer then led his compatriots to form a protective ring around Eriksen while he received medical treatment.
Medics resuscitated the midfielder amid emotional scenes at Copenhagen's Parken Stadium. In the days after the incident, Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen revealed Eriksen "was gone" before a defibrillator was used.
Recipients of 2021 UEFA President's Award:
On-site medical team
Mogens Kreutzfeldt (chief medical officer)
Frederik Flensted (stadium medical manager)
Anders Boesen (pitchside emergency doctor)
Peder Ersgaard (paramedic)
UEFA Venue Medical Officers
Jens Kleinefeld
Valentin Velikov
Denmark national team
Morten Boesen (team doctor)
Morten Skjoldager (physio accompanying team doctor)
Simon Kjaer (Denmark national team captain)
"I would like to thank Morten (Skjoldager), Morten (Boesen), and the medical team who helped in Parken on 12 June. You did a fantastic job and saved my life," Eriksen, 29, said in a UEFA statement.
"Also, a big thanks to my friend and captain Simon and my teammates in the Danish team for your support, both on 12 June and afterward."
He added, "Thanks to all the fans who have sent messages to me and my family. It means a lot and has given us strength and support. Thank you."
Inter Milan said Eriksen reported for club duty in "excellent physical and mental shape" on Aug. 4. He's following a recovery program developed by doctors in Copenhagen as he tries to prolong his professional football career.
The UEFA President's Award was created in 1998 to recognize "exceptional achievement, professional excellence, and exemplary personal qualities." Previous winners include Sir Bobby Robson, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johan Cruyff.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this year's award "transcends football" and "serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective."