Romelu Lukaku pays tribute to stricken Inter team-mate Christian Eriksen after brace against Russia

‘It was difficult for me to play because my mind was with Christian’: Romelu Lukaku pays tribute to stricken Inter team-mate Eriksen after starring role with brace against Russia

Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to stricken Inter Milan team-mate Christian Eriksen after playing a starring role in Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener.

The striker scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Russia, but the result was overshadowed by Eriksen collapsing on the pitch in the earlier game between Denmark and Finland. 

The midfielder was given CPR treatment and rushed to hospital but is now confirmed to be in a ‘stable condition’ following worrying scenes at the Parken Stadium in Denmark.

Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to Christian Eriksen after brace in 3-0 Euro 2020 win vs Russia

The pair both play for Inter Milan and Lukaku dedicated his performance to his team-mate

The pair both play for Inter Milan and Lukaku dedicated his performance to his team-mate

With Belgium’s tie still going ahead, an emotional Lukaku shouted ‘Chris, Chris I love you’ into the camera’s after his 10th-minute opener before paying tribute to his friend post-match.

After the game, Lukaku told beIN Sports: ‘I’m really happy with the win but for me it was difficult to play because my mind was with my team-mate, Christian.

‘I hope he is healthy and I dedicate this performance to him.’

The incident forced the suspension of the Group B match with the scenes sparking growing concerns for Eriksen’s health as messages of support from all across the football world poured in.  

An emotional Lukaku kneeled to the ground to pay tribute to Eriksen following the incident

An emotional Lukaku kneeled to the ground to pay tribute to Eriksen following the incident

Lukaku shouted 'Chris, Chris I love you' into the camera after his opener for Belgium

Lukaku shouted ‘Chris, Chris I love you’ into the camera after his opener for Belgium

Despite having to prepare for the Euro 2020 tie, Lukaku revealed the pain he was going through in the lead up due to concerns for Eriksen, whom he has been a team-mate of at Inter since last January. 

‘I cried a lot because I was scared, obviously. We lived strong moments together for a year and a half. I spent more time with him than with my family’, Lukaku added.

‘My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his two kids and his family.’

Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s match with Finland and required CPR on the pitch

The former Manchester United striker’s goals either side of Thomas Meunier’s strike got Belgium off to an ideal start in the rescheduled tournament, with Lukaku delighted to start so well as they bid to secure his country’s first ever major trophy. 

‘We put in a great performance. I’m really happy with the team and hopefully we can go (far) in the tournament.’