Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen was taken to hospital on Sunday after collapsing during his country’s international match, five years after suffering a cardiac arrest during the European Championship.

The Danish Football Association later confirmed that the 34-year-old was conscious and receiving medical care.

“Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances,” the association said in a statement shared on social media.

Eriksen, who has played with a heart pacemaker since collapsing during Denmark’s Euro 2020 group-stage match against Finland in 2021, fell to the ground in the 64th minute with Denmark leading 2-1.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg described the frightening moment, saying Eriksen had calmly walked towards the touchline before suddenly collapsing.

“There was a throw-in and he walked calmly to the touchline. Then I turned around and I saw Christian collapse,” Hojbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2.

Medical personnel immediately rushed onto the pitch to attend to Eriksen, while players formed a protective circle around him to shield the scene from cameras and spectators. The match was officially abandoned approximately 15 minutes later.

Denmark head coach Brian Riemer expressed his concern for the midfielder, whom he previously coached during his time at Brentford.

“It’s an extremely shocking experience for everyone — the staff, the players and the opponents,” Riemer said. “He’s someone who means a lot to me. You’re closer to certain players than others, and he was one of the players I became close to at Brentford.”

Eriksen was subsequently transported to a hospital in Odense, where the match was being played, for further evaluation and treatment.