‘Christian just wants to be normal’ – Brentford manager Frank tells fans to forget Euro fears and let Eriksen play

THOMAS FRANK hopes Christian Eriksen will be allowed to let his feet do the talking from now on – after the midfielder’s emotional return brought a smile to football’s face.

Eriksen was given a A standing ovation from fans and players on both sides when he came in for a 52-minute substitution on Saturday.

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It completed a remarkable comeback, just 259 days after he was cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in June.

Bees boss Frank said it felt like the club had become a circus animal show in the days leading up to Eriksen’s return.

So now he wants the talk to be all about how his colleague Dane can help keep Ong in the Premier League.

Frank said: “I completely understand the circumstances that made Christian’s return to football a really big deal.

“But now that he has played his first game, he really wants to just talk about football and talk less about what happened in June.

“He wants to be treated like a normal footballer – although we know he will never be a normal footballer because of what happened to him.

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“For everyone involved in football, it was a big moment. It was amazing to see the reception he received and it was a huge moment for Christian and his family.

“Now he should just talk with his feet and talk about football instead of everything else.”

Eriksen’s teammates were one man and two goals conceded before he entered the arena.

But nothing will be able to overshadow his big day, being played in front of his family and some of the doctors who have nursed him back to fitness.

“Results aside, I’m a happy man going through what I’ve been through and being here – it’s a great feeling,” Eriksen said.

“It was very special to be on the field for the first time.

“It has been very special since day one. Everyone was very helpful and took care of me. It was a pleasure.

“No one is naive but everyone is focused on doing our job and staying fit and confident.

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“I want to get that feeling back and help Brentford stay in the Premier League.”

It’s a bit surprising that despite the lack of fitness, Frank did not start with Eriksen and star striker Ivan Toney.

But any game plan went out the window when Josh Dasilva was sent off in the 11th minute and Joelinton and Joe Willock sent the visitors out of reach before half-time.

Elevator Eriksen His side have been in plain sight and, with Norwich and Burnley next, they will be hoping to end a streak of seven losses and a draw in their last eight games.

Frank added: “I have had the honor of seeing Christian train for the past three weeks and seeing his qualities. I believe he will help us 100% in the future.

“He is a top player who will bring great value to the team.

“He is an easy player to manage. He is calm, humble, trains and works hard because he wants to do the best for the team.

“Everybody wants to play with good players and players like him will improve the team.”