 Martin Laursen will now concentrate on playing solely for Aston Villa
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Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen has retired from international football with Denmark so he can concentrate on prolonging his club career.
Laursen, 31, who has already overcome a career-threatening injury to his left knee, is recuperating after having surgery on his right knee.
"My knee can no longer cope with playing for both Villa and the national team," said Laursen.
"In this situation, the only real solution is to play for the club."
Laursen has been a key figure in Villa's resurgence under Martin O'Neill over the last two seasons after battling against persistent knee problems when he joined Villa from AC Milan in May 2004.
He had seemingly put those injury worries behind him and had made 63 consecutive Premier League starts.
But his other knee flared up after the pre-Christmas win at West Ham. And, although he missed three games before returning for the home win over West Bromwich Albion on 10 January, it was decided to operate.
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It's the most difficult decision I've ever had to make in my football career
Martin Laursen
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And, with the injuries to both his knees having taken their toll, Laursen has reluctantly admitted to himself that it was time to concentrate on prolonging his domestic career.
"The thoughts of a return to the national team was an ambition which spurred me on through my injuries," said Laursen.
"There's nothing I would rather do than try and help the national team qualify for the World Cup."
"But the decision was my own and it's the most difficult I've ever had to make in my football career."
Laursen, who won 53 caps for Denmark, signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract at Villa Park in January 2008.
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