Laursen calls time on career

Aston Villa's Danish defender and club captain Martin Laursen has announced his retirement because of a long-standing injury to his right knee.

Laursen, 31, joined the Premier League club from AC Milan in 2004 but injuries disrupted his first few seasons in England.

Although he played in every Premier League game for the club last season he has been sidelined since January and has decided to hang up his boots.

‘He made the decision after facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines,’ Villa's website said.

‘He decided to hang up his boots rather than undergo another major operation -- this time on his right knee.

‘The retirement of the lionheart defender will be a huge loss to the players, the manager and the fans.’

Laursen, who began his career with Danish club Silkeborg, made 53 appearances for Denmark.