ISTANBUL
Danish defender Simon Kjaer announced his retirement from professional football Tuesday at the age of 35.
“I have finished an adventure. A new one can begin. From my heart: Thank you to everybody I have played with and worked with in my career,” he said on X.
“And to all of you: I am forever thankful for your support; in my clubs and for Denmark. It has been a pleasure, an honour, and a privilege,” he added.
Kjaer is best known for his leadership during the 2021 European Championship game, when he rushed to assist teammate Christian Eriksen after the playmaker collapsed on the pitch due to cardiac arrest.
His actions, including shielding Eriksen and consoling his partner, were widely praised. He along with the Danish team and medical staff were later honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award.
A two-time Danish Player of the Year, Kjaer began his career at FC Midtjylland in his own country before playing for Palermo, Fenerbahce, Roma and Sevilla.
He joined Italian side AC Milan in 2020, helping the team win the Serie A title in 2022.
Kjaer has been without a club since his contract with AC Milan expired last summer.
He made 132 appearances and scored five goals for his national team, participating in three FIFA World Cups and two European Championships.
