Romelu Lukaku dedicated his inspirational performance in Belgium s win over Russia to Christian Eriksen after his Inter team-mate collapsed during Denmark s Euro 2020 game against Finland.
Denmark captain Eriksen required emergency treatment on the field after he fell to the turf late in the first half of the Group B match at Parken Stadium on Saturday.
The midfielder was awake in hospital and undergoing tests following such traumatic scenes in Copenhagen, with his team-mates having formed a protective barrier around him while efforts were made to resuscitate him.
Lukaku shed tears for Eriksen as he watched the game before scoring twice in Belgium s 3-0 win over Russia later in the day.
The striker shouted I love you Chris into a television camera after putting the Red Devils in front.
He told beIN SPORTS: I m really happy with the win but for me it was difficult to play today because my mind was with my team-mate, Christian.
I hope that he s healthy and I dedicate this performance to him.
I cried a lot because I was scared. We lived strong moments together for a year and a half, I spent more time with him than with my family. My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his two kids and his family.
— Toby Alderweireld (@AlderweireldTob)
Toby Alderweireld had similar thoughts after the match, writing on Twitter about his former Tottenham team-mate to say: First win of the tournament but tonight was about more than football.
Tagging Eriksen, he added: My friend, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Finland beat Denmark 1-0 after the first Group B game resumed with the five remaining minutes of the first half played before a shortened half-time interval.
UEFA said the match was completed following the request made by players of both teams .
