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Danish Arsenal midfielder brings down curtain on international career after World Cup blow

The Arsenal player announces that he is no longer available for the national team coach Brian Riemer.

"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 (Danish team camp site). And there is basically nothing I love more than playing matches in red and white in a sold-out, buzzing Parken stadium."

"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", says Christian Norgaard.

The 32-year-old midfielder made his debut in the national team under Kasper Hjulmand in 2020 and has since played 41 international matches in red and white.

Along the way, he has played three final rounds - two European Championships and one World Cup. He especially highlights the European Championships in 2021 as "the most beautiful chapter" in his football career.

The last international match came on the last day of March, when Denmark's World Cup dreams were dashed in Prague after a lost penalty shootout.

After the match, he told the written press at the stadium in the Czech capital that he now had to consider whether he would continue to be part of the national team. "I don't know", he said.

Initially, he had to talk to national coach Brian Riemer and his family about it, and now the conclusion has been reached.

"Now it's over. I am looking forward to supporting as a fan, but no longer as part of the squad. Thank you to the players, staff, and fans for helping to make a boyhood dream come true", writes Christian Nørgaard.

The midfielder faces an exciting few weeks. With Arsenal, he can become English champion, and he can also win the Champions League, where the London club has reached the final against PSG.

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