Tottenham Hotspur-linked Christian Eriksen hopes for Spurs to play in the Champions League next season

Speaking to Sky Sports after his side’s 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur (h/t Evening Standard), Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen opened up about his experience playing against his former side and wished for them to qualify for the Champions League next term.

The Dane spent nearly seven years at Tottenham after moving from Ajax, being part of a side that reached the finals of the UEFA Champions League and the League Cup. Eriksen was a regular for the side and was a crowd favourite.

He reacted to the experience of coming up against Spurs for the first time since his departure and described it as a special moment, saying that he was extra nervous but had a lovely time during the match.

“Obviously it was the first time playing against Spurs since I left so it would be special, but I’m okay with a draw. I was extra (nervous)…but it was lovely.” 

The Denmark international left north London for a move to Inter Milan in the January transfer window of 2020, where he teamed up with current Tottenham boss Antonio Conte to lift the Serie A title and break the Nerazzurri’s trophy drought.

“I’m still a Spurs fan”

Eriksen has been linked with a return to the Lilywhites in the upcoming transfer window in the summer, providing the opportunity to link up with Conte once again. During the weekend’s game, he was treated to a standing ovation from the away end by Spurs fans, when taking a corner early in the first half.

When quizzed about his former employers’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League by the end of the season, he responded by saying that he is still a Spurs fan and he hoped they would qualify for the European competition.

“I’m still a Spurs fan. I hope they get in the Champions League.” 

Many questioned whether Eriksen would be able to perform at the highest level after he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in the UEFA 2020 Euros, and was ruled out of action for months.

However, he has silenced the doubters after shining for Brentford in the Premier League, signing a short-term deal with the Bees earlier this year. As things stand, he is set to become a free agent in the summer and is linked with a move to Manchester United as well as a return to Spurs.

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Eriksen’s comments about still being a Spurs fan will excite fans who would love to see him back in north London, after dazzling for Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino. With the team now being led by Conte, it offers a chance for the 30-year-old to work with a manager he is familiar with.

With the side failing to hit the target over the past two games, questions have been asked about the creativity and attacking quality of the team. Perhaps Eriksen’s return to the Lilywhites could solve this problem.