Inglez 0 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5324880,00.html The Danish defender, who has not played since January, has announced that he will be retiring from football with immediate effect. He has been plagued by knee problems for many years and the latest setback left him facing a decision about whether to carry on. Laursen could have undergone another major operation - this time on his right knee - in an attempt to return to action but he has instead opted to hang up his boots. The 31-year-old's retirement will leave a huge void to fill in the Villa defence as he has been one of the club's most consistent performers in recent seasons. He moved to Villa Park from AC Milan in 2004 and went on to establish himself as one of the strongest centre-backs in the Premier League. Laursen has had to endure many spells on the sidelines but it was hoped earlier this season he had finally overcome his problems. A series of excellent performances helped Villa mount a challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot before he was struck down again. Martin O'Neill's men have struggled to keep as many clean sheets in Laursen's absence and will finish either fifth or sixth in the league. Laursen, who made 53 appearances for Denmark before retiring from international football earlier this year, also spent time with homeland club Silkeborg and Italian sides Hellas Verona and Parma earlier in his career. Shame, was playing well before his injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TicTacWoe 0 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 (edited) unlucky, good defender, things went downhill for Villa since he got injured (this season). Edited May 15, 2009 by TicTacWoe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew 4257 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Shame, I liked him, quality defender and as said villa struggled to cope without him, be interestign to see how they react now whether they will be willing to spend big or try to go for a risky bargain in the summer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The messenger 0 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Giant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Life 70 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sima 0 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 (edited) Criminally under-rated. If he was at a top 4 team the press would be wanking themselves silly ala Vidic Edited May 15, 2009 by Sima Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMoog 0 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Bugger, he'd done well in my dream team too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman 2188 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asprilla 96 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Can we sign him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Very steady, very assured centre-half. How we could do with someone like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinofbeans 87 Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 agreed. scored a fair few up the other end as well. good player and model pro. well until he retired obviously! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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