Antonio Conte open to Christian Eriksen Tottenham return?

It was reported late last month that current Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte was unlikely to welcome midfielder Christian Eriksen back to the Premier League club where the Danish maestro previously spent seven years before he left for Inter Milan in January 2020. Eriksen played under Conte for the Inter side that claimed the 2020-21 Serie A title. 

Eriksen can no longer play in Italy due to rules that prevent him from competing with the implanted defibrillator he's needed following the cardiac arrest he suffered during the UEFA European Championship last June, and his agent said earlier this week that a return to England would "feel like coming home for Chris and his family." 

Per Sky Sports, Conte told reporters Friday Eriksen could at least train with Tottenham after his contract with Inter was terminated by mutual consent on Dec. 17. The 29-year-old is currently advancing his rehab with third-tier Swiss club FC Chiasso after he was spotted working out at Odense Boldklub, his youth club in Denmark, in December. 

"I didn't speak recently with Christian," Conte explained. "For sure, it was great, it was fine, to see him on a pitch, to see that he is kicking a ball. We are talking about a really important player. But especially a top man.

"What happened this summer was very not good, not good, for the people that worked with him, and the people that know him. I was scared in that moment. And now, to see him again ready to play football is great news. I think for Christian, the door is always open." 

It's been said Eriksen could resume his career in England, Denmark or Holland assuming he's eventually able to pass a club medical. He recently told Danish TV channel DR 1 he still wants to play in the World Cup later this year.