- 15 hours ago
‘Eriksen is not the champion Inter fans were promised’
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 3 min read
Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi has claimed that supporters were conned when they were told that Christian Eriksen was a “champion” capable of changing the fortunes of the San Siro club.
The Denmark international arrived in Italy last January from Tottenham, where he had fallen upon hard times.
Eriksen’s career was expected to be rejuvenated at the Serie A side but instead he has fared little better than he did in London. This term, for instance, he has played just 10 matches and is waiting for his first goal and assist.
In total, he has just four goals and three decisive passes for the Nerazzurri. This has led Bergomi to doubt Inter signed the player who was advertised.
Christian Eriksen snapshot:
| STATISTIC | CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN |
|---|---|
| AGE | 28 |
| CLUB | Inter |
| INTERNATIONAL TEAM | Denmark |
| POSITION | Attacking midfield |
| STYLE | Advanced playmaker |
| CONTRACT EXPIRES | 2024 |
| DENMARK APPS | 103 |
| DENMARK GOALS | 36 |
“I don’t think Eriksen is a champion,” Bergomi told Sky Sport Italia‘s ‘Calcio Club’. “I think he’s a good player who is not suited to our football. But for me is not the champion that others believe him to be.
“He was presented as a player who would change the fortunes of Inter, so the average fan does not understand why he is not being given the chance to play.”
Eriksen’s performances have come in sharp contrast to when he was at his peak with Spurs, during the 2018/19 campaign. During that season, he scored 10 goals in 51 appearances and chipped in with a further 17 assists. Tottenham finished runners-up in the Champions League that term.
The Dane has been linked with a January move back to England, where Arsenal are reportedly interested. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are other clubs associated with him.
Despite Eriksen’s struggles, Inter are going relatively well domestically. Presently, they sit second in the Serie A standings, though five points behind leaders Milan.
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In Europe, however, they have experienced a different story. With one match of their Champions League group campaign left, they must overcome Shakhtar Donetsk at home to stand any chance of qualifying.
Head coach Antonio Conte, meanwhile, has been in a long-running dispute with the board. He came close to leaving in the summer but remains in place, though under pressure.
