Liverpool FC Forum

by **Gerrard30391** » Fri May 15, 2009 7:38 pm

I am actually quite gutted for the bloke.

OK, he is 31, and possibly getting towards past his best seasons, but it is still relatively young to be hanging up his
boots.

Not only is he a top defender, but top person to boot. I had the pleasure of talking to him...albeit briefly when i went to Villa Park as my father's a Villa fan.

For info:
Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen has called time on his playing career due to injury.

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.

by **tubby** » Fri May 15, 2009 11:37 pm

Poor guy. Great defender.

by **Lando_Griffin** » Sat May 16, 2009 3:33 am

My heart bleeds for him! He'll just have to console himself with the millions he's earned throughout his career...

by **112-1077774096** » Sat May 16, 2009 4:14 am

The best beard in football, ever

by **Festy** » Sat May 16, 2009 10:26 am

The guy was immense. Feel for him and proud of him for no particular reason.

by **RedBen** » Sat May 16, 2009 12:35 pm

peewee wrote:The best beard in football, ever

That was Mellberg peewee

by **112-1077774096** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:57 pm

RedBen wrote:
peewee wrote:The best beard in football, ever

That was Mellberg peewee

i met laursen once and he had a beard like brian blessed, much better than melbergs :wwww

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Laursen - Sorry to hear!

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