ISTANBUL

Denmark football captain Simon Kjaer announced on Friday he was retiring from the national team.

"There is a last time for everything. I have decided to retire from the Denmark team after 15 fantastic years. Thank you, everybody, and mostly to the amazing Danish fans for everything we have achieved together," Kjaer said on X.

"It has always been an honour and a privilege to represent Denmark!" he added.

Kjaer scored five goals in 132 games for the Danish national team.

The 35-year-old defender made his international debut in 2009 and led his nation to the EURO 2020 semifinals. He has been a free agent since the end of his contract with AC Milan.