New Delhi: Former Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has chosen to finally hang up his boots on Monday, despite receiving offers from clubs since he left AC Milan as a free agent last year. Kjaer will best be remembered as the captain who rushed to Christian Eriksen’s aid and then led his teammates in shielding him after the star player collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest during a European Championship game in June 2021.
The 35-year-old also consoled Eriksen’s partner on the field during that emotional moment. Once Eriksen was stabilized, Kjaer captained Denmark as they reached the semi-finals of the European Championships after a 29-year-long wait. However, their Championship journey ended as they were knocked out following a 2-1 loss to England.
Looking back at Kjaer’s everlasting career
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Simon Kjær has announced his retirement from professional football. ❌🇩🇰
A great defender, a proper bloke and a truly inspirational leader when tragedy struck at EURO 2020 with his Danish teammate Christian Eriksen.
We wish him the best for the future. 💫 pic.twitter.com/n7xrxxwOfV
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) January 13, 2025
For his heroic act during the incident, he, along with the Denmark team and medical staff, was honoured with the FIFA Fair Play Award for their actions in Copenhagen. Following Euro 2020, Kjaer announced his retirement from international football. The centre-back holds 132 international caps for Denmark, making him the second-most capped player for the national team, just eight appearances behind Eriksen, who leads with 140 caps.
Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2, Kjaer revealed that he had opportunities to join Champions League clubs but didn’t receive a “once in a lifetime” offer that would inspire him to extend his career further. Believing this to be the right time, he has decided to close this chapter.
Kjaer began his career with the Danish club Midtjylland and later played across several European leagues, showcasing his skills in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Turkey. He even won the Serie A title with AC Milan back in 2022.
Simon Kjaer has retired from professional football
FORZA KJAER!
— Inside Milan (@_InsideMilan) January 13, 2025
The former Bundesliga professional is regarded as one of the most significant footballers in Danish history, having competed in top European leagues throughout his career. Between 2010 and 2013, he played for VfL Wolfsburg, during which he was loaned to AS Roma. His most recent stint was with AC Milan, where his contract wasn’t renewed last summer.
Denmark’s iconic captain who is known for his heroic Euro 2020 actions and a stellar career in top European leagues retires at 35. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
