Knees force Laursen to end Denmark career

Aston Villa FC's Danish defender Martin Laursen has retired from international football at the age of 31, explaining: "My knees can no longer stand me playing for Aston Villa as well as for the national team."

Troublesome knees
Laursen informed Denmark coach Morten Olsen of his decision on Thursday, saying: "It is my own decision, and it has been one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. I have done everything I could in order not to have to make this decision, as I love playing for the national team, and there is nothing I would have wanted more than to help the national team to qualify for the World Cup. However, my knees can no longer stand me playing for Aston Villa as well as for the national team. In that situation, the only right decision is to be at the disposal of the club, who are my employers."

First place
The 53-times capped centre-back has been beset by knee problems since 2004, missing around 18 months of football since, and Olsen understood his decision, but said: "Of course, I hoped Martin would be available for the whole World Cup campaign, and there is no denying that his retirement is a big loss for the national team." Denmark are top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1 with seven points from their first three games. Villa meet PFC CSKA Moskva in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 in February.