Christian Eriksen has sent a touching message to a young girl who is due to have the same heart operation that he went through.
The Denmark international collapsed when his heart stopped working during his country's Euro 2020 tournament opener against Finland in June.
Players rushed over to help Eriksen, including Denmark captain Simon Kjaer, before medics revived the 29-year-old on the pitch.
Eriksen was then taken to a nearby hospital in Copenhagen where it was later revealed he had suffered a cardiac arrest.
The 29-year-old was released six days later after being fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
The Inter midfielder was able to watch the rest of the tournament from the stands as his country made it to the semi-final – where they lost 2-1 to England.
He was recently contacted by a young girl's family, who sent a letter to the Inter star explaining that their daughter also requires a pacemaker.
Eriksen then responded with a video message, before the girl’s family shared the video on Facebook.
“Hi Evie, it’s Christian. Thanks for the lovely letter, I just read it through tonight,” Eriksen said on the video message.
“I hope you are feeling comfortable and confident going into the operation. It’s never fun to be in hospital, but I’m sure the doctors know what they are doing and they will help you.
“I’m sure you will get back to normal life very quickly afterwards, I know I did. I’m sure it’ll be the same with you.
“I just wanted to wish you all the best and hopefully maybe we’ll see each other in future.”
Eriksen helped Inter win their first Scudetto in 11 years to end Juventus ’ nine-year grasp on the Serie A title.
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Last Wednesday, Eriksen returned to Inter’s Suning training facility for the first time following the incident and the club provided an update on the midfielder’s condition on their official website.
"This morning Christian Eriksen paid a visit to the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile," the statement read.
"The Danish midfielder met the club directors, the coach, team-mates and all of the staff present. Eriksen is doing well and is in excellent physical and mental shape.
"He will now follow the recovery programme put forward by Danish doctors in Copenhagen, who will also co-ordinate the clinical follow-up. The Inter medical staff will naturally be kept informed and up to date throughout the process."
It is not yet clear whether Eriksen will be able to continue playing professional football, although Serie A rules prohibit players playing with an ICD.
Francesco Braconaro of the Inter FA technical scientific committee has since clarified the ruling.
“Christian Eriksen cannot be given the all-clear to play in Italy. If the player has the defibrillator removed, therefore confirming the pathology can be resolved, then he can return to play for Inter," said Braconaro.
The Denmark international has made 60 appearances for Inter since swapping north London for Milan in January 2020 and has scored six times.
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