Christian Poulsen has decided to end his international career at the age of 32 after representing Denmark for over ten years.
Midfielder retires from international football
Christian Poulsen has decided to end his international career at the age of 32 after representing Denmark for over ten years.
The Evian midfielder believes that he should step aside to allow younger players to come through for the World Cup qualifiers which start next month.
He won 92 caps for his country and scored six goals. He also led the side as captain during the 2010 World Cup.
He said: "I was only 22 when I was at the World Cup finals in 2002 and can look back on many exciting matches and four tournaments with the national team.
"I am happy and very proud of my career with the national team.
"My decision is not due to lack of ambition. There are younger players who stand before me, and so my role for the team is no longer the same.
Fair
"I therefore think it is a fair decision to leave my place in the squad to the new forces, before the team starts the new qualifying tournament.
"I will miss our very special unity in the squad and wish my team-mates and coaches all the best for the future.
"And I also thank Morten Olsen for his impact on my career at both the national team and with clubs. He has been fantastic for me and for the national team."
Poulsen discussed his decision with the Denmark coach who paid tribute to the former Juventus and Liverpool midfielder on the
Danish FA's official website.
Inestimable
Olsen said: "Christian has had an inestimable impact on the national team in all of his 10 seasons.
"He has helped to win many decisive matches for us. Also off the pitch, his professional approach helped to lift the intensity and level of competition in the squad.
"It has obviously not been easy for him to lose his permanent place in the team, but he has acted honestly and professionally throughout.
"He helped to push other players on when he came into the team 10 years ago, and now he takes as an understandable and logical decision for them. We have much to thank him for."
