Christian Eriksen Shares His Thoughts on Life at Wolfsburg, Leaving Manchester United, and Thomas Frank's Tenure at Spurs
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't enjoying it," Christian Eriksen reveals in an interview with Sky Sports. "Regardless of the weather, I'm still passionate about football." The sentiment is mutual, as football continues to appreciate Eriksen's skills. "For me, it's always been about the love of the game, being on the pitch, and chasing the ball," he says. "Obviously, winning and playing for the best teams is important, but that passion for football never fades." Eriksen's current team, Wolfsburg, has experienced a mixed season in the Bundesliga, including a recent 8-1 loss to Bayern Munich. "It wasn't pleasant," he admits. However, he scored in their subsequent win over St Pauli, showcasing his resilience. In a recent match against Heidenheim, Eriksen provided the cross for the late equalizer, demonstrating his enduring talent. Despite being 33, he still exhibits the magic that made him a standout player at Tottenham. During his time at Spurs, Eriksen was the Premier League's most creative force, providing more assists and creating more chances than any other player. He also scored the most goals from outside the box, a feat Wolfsburg fans have yet to witness. Eriksen feels at home in the Bundesliga, drawn to its open and exciting nature. "I had a gut feeling it would suit me," he explains. "I could see myself playing for Wolfsburg and trying the Bundesliga. It's a league where anything can happen, and every team wants to play." The game against Heidenheim marked 16 years since Eriksen's professional debut for Ajax. "Has it been 16 years? I've had a fun 16 years," he reflects. "It's still enjoyable." Despite his experience, Eriksen is surrounded by younger teammates, which he finds amusing. "All the new players are born in the 2000s, even the late 2000s. That's weird," he says with a smile. Eriksen has witnessed significant changes in football over the past 16 years, including shifts in possession, tactics, and athleticism. "Now, there are a lot of stats and numbers to consider. You have to hit certain targets in training to be ready for the next game," he notes. He sounds somewhat bemused by the increased emphasis on data analysis. "Even strikers are now the first to press, making double and triple runs." However, Eriksen has adapted, having overcome a life-threatening moment at the European Championship in 2021. After recovering, he joined Brentford and later spent three seasons at Manchester United. However, he found himself without a role under Ruben Amorim. "As a player, I didn't feel he was looking my way. We had a decent relationship, but I think I wasn't the type of player he needed." Eriksen wishes the club well and believes a new manager can bring fresh ideas. He also hopes for the success of his former teammates, including Kobbie Mainoo. Having played under Thomas Frank at Brentford, Eriksen is not entirely surprised by Frank's struggles at Spurs. "The pressure is bigger, and there are new expectations," he says. "I hope he gets the time to make changes and show what he can do." With the World Cup playoffs in March, Eriksen is focused on the chance to play in the tournament. "It would be special, and I hope to have a big tournament," he says. His contract at Wolfsburg has another season, and he is determined to see improvement. "We've lost too many games this season, but we're on a better run now," he notes. As for personal goals, Eriksen's approach remains the same: "Just keep improving and have fun on the pitch." While he may not cherish every moment more after his experiences, Eriksen is grateful for what he has. "I'm happy with what I have, and I'm enjoying what's ahead," he concludes.