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Andros Townsend has urged Christian Eriksen to think seriously about retiring from professional football after the Danish midfielder suffered a second alarming on-field collapse. The football community was left stunned on Sunday when the 34-year-old fell to the ground during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine, nearly five years after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

Former team-mate calls for retirement

Townsend suggested that his former Tottenham colleague should now prioritise his health and family by stepping away from the sport. The shocking incident took place in the 65th minute of Denmark’s match with Ukraine in Odense, when Eriksen suddenly collapsed, prompting officials to call off the game immediately.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend voiced his concerns for the Wolfsburg midfielder. He said, “Of course, from the outside, yes, I’d advise him. There are far more important things in life; he’s got a lovely family to think about. But who really knows what goes on in someone’s mind, especially a footballer who’s worked so hard to get where he is, who’s nearly lost his life on the pitch and then returned to play for Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. So, it’s hard to judge what he’s thinking, but right now, there are bigger things than football to focus on.”

Medical update and pacemaker performance

Despite the distressing nature of the episode, encouraging updates have emerged about Eriksen’s condition. The Danish Football Union (DBU) confirmed that the midfielder is conscious and stable after being taken to Odense University Hospital. Importantly, medical staff revealed that the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted in 2021 responded exactly as designed during the emergency.

Danish team doctor Morten Boesen provided an update, stating, “I spoke with Christian this morning, and he’s doing well. He’s with his family and in good spirits. We expect he will be discharged soon and return home. We’re taking good care of the players and staff and remain in regular contact with them.” Boesen added that although Eriksen briefly lost consciousness, the pacemaker activated correctly, allowing him to leave the field with assistance.

Echoes of Euro 2020

The frightening episode inevitably drew comparisons to Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 group stage match against Finland. Since that life-changing event, Eriksen has remarkably continued to play at the top level, enjoying successful periods with Brentford and Manchester United before moving to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. However, this latest scare has reignited debate over whether continuing to play is now too great a risk.

Townsend acknowledged that the ICD offers a level of protection few players have but admitted the sight of the collapse was deeply unsettling. “It’s a scary moment, but honestly, I think he’s as safe as can be, given that he has that defib which can shock him if something happens – and it did its job yesterday,” he said.

Support from football community

Following the incident, messages of support have poured in from across the footballing world. Manchester United, where Eriksen played for three seasons, issued a statement sending “strength and love” to him and his family. Tottenham also sent well-wishes to their former playmaker, hoping for a “full and speedy recovery” while he undergoes further medical tests to determine the cause of his chest discomfort.

The next 72 hours will be crucial as specialists conduct detailed examinations. Eriksen is expected to release a personal statement once doctors have a clearer understanding of his condition — at which point he will face the difficult decision of whether to continue his professional football career.