Former Danish captain Simon Kjaer has revealed in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport that he would have ended his career if Christian Eriksen had passed away following his cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match of the 2021 European Championships against Finland at Parken Stadium.

“Everything changed. If Christian had passed away, I wouldn’t have played anymore. I’ve understood that football is football and life is life. Football is work and passion; life is something else,” Kjaer said.

Kjaer was on the pitch when the former Tottenham midfielder collapsed, standing arm in arm with Thomas Delaney and Yussuf Poulsen as Eriksen received emergency treatment. He later helped comfort Eriksen’s girlfriend, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, during the crisis.

The trauma from that night still occasionally resurfaces, Kjaer admits. He recalled a recent incident when his son’s football match was interrupted by an ambulance after a boy broke his wrist, which brought back difficult memories.

“I felt uncomfortable. But as long as Christian is doing well, I am doing well. They’ve explained that with trauma, you remember some things and forget others,” Kjaer said.

The former AC Milan defender also noted that he has learned to manage the trauma and does not dwell on it daily. He has never watched footage of the incident again.

Kjaer retired earlier this year at the age of 35 after his contract with AC Milan expired in July 2024, saying it was the right time to finish his career. He confirmed he would not join another club, despite receiving offers.

Christian Eriksen, now 33, remains a key figure for Denmark and could help the team take another step toward World Cup qualification with their upcoming home match against Belarus in Copenhagen.