omgukilledkenny

15 May 09, 18:53

Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen has confirmed he will announce his retirement at a press conference on Friday.

The 31-year-old former Denmark international, who joined from Milan in 2004, has suffered a succession of knee injuries in recent years and he has now told the Danish press he will not attempt a comeback.

“I will announce tomorrow [Friday] that I am finished with football,” he told BT.

“This time, it would be even harder to recover than before. Because it would take a minimum of one year to recover and I had just one year left on my contract, I decided to stop now.

“I am pleased with what I achieved during my career. I am proud of the matches I’ve played and I’m proud of what I did for Aston Villa.

“My only regret is that I did not come to England sooner. That is where I have been happiest.

“Here, my abilities were really appreciated.

“It’s hard to imagine life without football, but I’m moving to Copenhagen now and then I’ll just enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and my son.

“I miss Denmark.”

Denmark boss Morten Olsen hailed Laursen for his ability and character.

“Martin has had an enormous impact on the Danish national team with his determination and winning mentality, but he’s also a great guy in general,” he said.

“You couldn’t find an easier player to work with.”

limpper

15 May 09, 21:16

Aston Villa confirm Laursen retirement

Aston Villa have announced skipper Martin Laursen is retiring.

Laursen was faced with a lengthy rehabilitation period on his right knee before he would return to full fitness and has opted to retire rather than undergo another major operation.

Laursen joined Villa in the summer of 2004, however, his formative years at the club were plagued by a troublesome left knee injury which also restricted him during his earlier spell at AC Milan.

The Dane had seemingly shaken off those concerns in recent years as he established himself as a rock at the heart of coach Martin O'Neill's defence, his good form earning the reward of the Villa captaincy at the start of this season.

But after injuring his right knee in January, Laursen retired from international football with Denmark before his decision today to call an end to his football career completely.

"Villa are sad to announce Martin Laursen's retirement from football," a statement on the club's website www.avfc.co.uk read.

"The club captain made the decision after being faced with another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"He elected to hang up his boots rather than undergo another major operation - this time on his right knee.

"The retirement of the lion-hearted defender will be a huge loss to the players, manager and fans."

Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1)

15 May 09, 22:37

Y so early juz becoz of Injury , U like Sagnol

limpper

16 May 09, 12:34

Villa skipper Laursen explains retirement decision

Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen has explained his decision to retire.

The former Denmark international, who made 53 appearances for his country, said: "I cannot recover from my knee injury so I have to retire.

"Over the last few weeks I've had to decide whether to go ahead with another operation or to retire. My decision was to retire as it would have been a very big and difficult operation. At this point it is better for my health and future life."

Laursen, who admitted the last two seasons have been the best of his playing career, added: "It is so strange, so weird that I've made an announcement that I will no longer play again whereas half a year ago I was flying.

"I was in the best shape of my life and playing every game. It is weird and I am really sad.

"Football has always been my life. I've been a professional since 1997 and done nothing else. I am looking at the positives that I returned from my previous operation and was playing the best football of my life.

"I'm now almost 32 and you cannot play football forever. You have to stop some time."

Laursen paid credit to Villa manager, Martin O'Neill, who himself had to quit playing because of a knee injury.

He said: "Martin O'Neill has been very helpful and has allowed me to take my time in making a decision.

"I can honestly say there have been more positives than negatives since he took over as manager."

dinky1409

16 May 09, 12:36

i like him.. he is good.. gd luck laursen!! =)