What has happened to former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger?
Wednesday 30 March 2016 09:44, UK
Daniel Agger is set to lead Denmark out against Scotland on Tuesday night, but where has he been since leaving Liverpool?
At the age of 29, and in the peak of his career, Agger surprised many by moving away from Liverpool to join Danish club Brøndby in August 2014.
The Denmark captain left for a transfer fee of just £3m, an unexpectedly low figure considering he made 156 appearances for Liverpool.
He was widely-known as an elegant centre back with high mobility, who was capable of playing the ball out the back comfortably.
So, why leave Liverpool after eight years and what has he been doing since? We take a closer look.
The Liverpool departure
The reason for his Liverpool departure seems to be that he felt under appreciated by former manager Brendan Rodgers during the club's title challenge in the 2013/14 season, when Liverpool finished second.
"There was much (distance) between us, and for me it was just enough," he told TV3 Sport. "I felt that he didn't appreciate the things I contributed. When I feel that, then it's time to move on."
The arrivals of Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren at the club put Agger's position under threat and even though he was appointed vice-captain, he made just 20 Premier League appearances in the 2013/14 season and had not featured during the start of the following campaign as Rodgers settled on a first-choice centre-back partnership of Martin Skrtel and Lovren.
Furthermore, injuries were a major concern. His first season at Liverpool in 2006-2007 was the only full season he played, making 43 appearances. He was seen as the natural successor to Sami Hyypia when Rafa Benitez signed him from Brondby, but injuries kept on coming, resulting in sustained periods out of the starting XI.
Nevertheless, there was reported interest from clubs including Manchester City in 2012 and Barcelona the following year, but Agger decided to remain loyal to the club who brought him from Brondby, and even has the letters 'YNWA' tattooed on his knuckles to reflect his bond with the Merseyside club.
"I'd thought about it for a long time," he told the club's official website in October 2012. "As I said, I feel a part of this club - and I feel a part of this city. I have been here so long now, so it was an easy decision. I am proud to be here and I think my knuckles show that."
But when Brondby made an approach to sign one of Denmark's most highly-regarded players, he couldn't say no.
How's he been doing at Brondby?
When Agger joined Brondby, he became arguably the most famous player to join a Danish side since Bobby Moore made nine appearances for Herning Fremad in 1978.
In his first season back in Denmark, playing alongside former Bolton and Norwich striker Johan Elmander, Agger helped Brondby to a third-placed finish in the league.
Third secured Brondby a place in the first round of Europa League qualifying, and despite reaching the play-off round, Agger's side lost 6-1 on aggregate to PAOK. Agger was the captain for the first leg in Greece where they lost 5-0.
Europe is the aim again this season. Agger and Brondby are currently fourth in the Danish league, one place off a European spot but level on points with AaB Fodbold.
However, should they achieve European qualification for next season, Agger may not be a part of it. His injury problems are still an issue, and despite being a guaranteed starter when fit , he has made 14 league appearances out of a possible 22 this season.
His contract expires at the end of the current campaign and so far no decision has been made regarding his future.
International stage
Agger is the captain of the Denmark national team and has been a part of the international set-up since 2005.
In the Euro 2016 qualification campaign, Denmark reached the play-off round after finishing Group I in third behind Portugal and Albania.
Their play-off matches saw Denmark come up against Scandinavian rivals Sweden, who they lost to 4-3 on aggregate. Agger played in seven matches over the qualification campaign.
And with dreams of Euro 2016 taken away, Denmark are preparing to face Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night with Agger expected to lead the side as usual.
At the age of 31, and Denmark's World Cup qualification campaign starting up in September, it will be interesting to see how many games Agger has left on the international stage.
But whatever the case, Agger's commitment to his country, and club career in Denmark and England, has cemented his position as one of the country's most treasured footballers.
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