Forgotten Arsenal star issues future update with emotional statement | OneFootball

Fringe midfielder took to social media to share his thoughts

Christian Norgaard has confirmed his decision to retire from the Denmark national team in an emotional statement after failing to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Brentford last summer, has accrued 41 caps since making his debut in 2020.

Denmark fell short of World Cup qualification after losing to Czechia after a penalty shootout in a play-off final in March. Norgaard played 61 minutes of that match but watched from the halfway line as his former Brentford team-mate Mathias Jensen and Rasmus Hojlund missed decisive spot-kicks.

Following that result, he has decided to hang up his international boots, saying he looks forward to spending more time with his family and hopes to open the door for the next generation of Danish midfielders to come through.

He wrote on Instagram: “I have decided to quit the national team.

Christian Norgaard made his Denmark debut against England in 2020

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“On the one hand, it has been a difficult decision, because there is basically nothing I love more than checking in with teammates and staff at Marienlyst. And there is basically nothing I love more than playing matches in red and white in a sold-out, buzzing Parken.

“On the other hand, it has been an easy decision, because I want to have more time with my family, and with the missed World Cup qualification, it also feels natural now to make room for the talented and ambitious talents, which Denmark is fortunately still rich in.”

Norgaard made his senior international debut with Denmark in a goalless draw with England in September 2020. He then played a key role in the side’s Euro 2020 campaign, playing five out of six matches en route to a semi-final exit.

He has played only a bit-part role since joining Arsenal, though, limited to just ten starts in all competitions as the Gunners close in on a rare Premier League and Champions League double. He is yet to make a Premier League start, managing just 61 minutes across six substitute appearances.

He rather mooted the decision to retire from international duty after the Czechia defeat dashed his dreams of playing at this summer’s World Cup.

Christian Norgaard’s last Arsenal start came in an FA Cup defeat by Southampton

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Speaking from Prague following the full-time whistle, he told reporters: “Yes, I've thought about [my future]. Right now I was hoping I would go to the World Cup. As I said, some things have happened over the past six months that have made me reconsider the situation.

“I've been thinking about it for some time. I had hoped to be at the World Cup. It's a bitter feeling right now.”

He leaves Denmark having scored twice in his 41 appearances, against North Macedonia and Moldova in World Cup qualifiers.

It remains to be seen how head coach Brian Riemer will replace Norgaard, who was one of the more experienced members of his squad.