Sevilla: Former Denmark captain and Sevilla player Simon Kjaer announced on Monday his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Kjaer, who had already left the national team after the last European Championship, was without a team after finishing his contract with Milan, where he played for the last four seasons.

Kjaer stated in an interview with the channel ‘TV2’ that “now was the right time to close this chapter.” The centre-back, who has faced several physical issues in recent years, revealed that he had received offers from teams in the five major leagues but was not content with the roles offered. Throughout his extensive career, Kjaer donned the jerseys of various clubs including Palermo, Roma, Atalanta, Milan, Wolfsburg, Lille, and Sevilla, where he played from 2017 to 2019. On the international stage, he earned 132 caps for Denmark, making him the second most capped player after Christian Eriksen.

Kjaer explained that his decision to retire was not sudden, having considered it before the European Championship. He reflected on the autumn of 2023, contemplating the end of his time at Milan and evaluating his future options. Ultimately, he concluded that none were the right fit, prioritizing both family and sporting considerations. He expressed satisfaction with his decision, stating he had no regrets and did not miss anything in the sport.

When asked about announcing his retirement after spending half a season without a team, Kjaer remarked that he had anticipated the end of his tenure at Milan and was prepared for the complexities of finding new opportunities. He cherished his farewell at the San Siro, recognizing it as the fitting conclusion to his career. Kjaer emphasized that he felt no need for a grand farewell or to sign with another big club, prioritizing personal contentment over public spectacle.