COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Simon Kjaer, the former captain of the Denmark national soccer team, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday. Despite receiving offers to extend his playing career since departing from AC Milan as a free agent last year, Kjaer has decided to hang up his boots.

Kjaer is likely to be best remembered for his heroic actions during the European Championship match in June 2021, when he rushed to assist his teammate Christian Eriksen after the latter collapsed on the pitch due to a cardiac arrest. Not only did Kjaer provide immediate aid, but he also directed his fellow players to shield Eriksen from public view during the critical moments that followed, even offering comfort to Eriksen’s partner who was present on the field.

In recognition of their remarkable response during that alarming incident, Kjaer, the Danish national team, and the medical staff were honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award in a ceremony held in Copenhagen. Eriksen has since successfully resumed his football career, playing for Denmark and currently for Manchester United, where he has amassed 140 appearances, making him the record-holder in national team history, now just ahead of Kjaer’s tally of 132 caps.

The 35-year-old Kjaer shared with TV2, a Danish broadcaster, that while he had opportunities to sign with clubs in the Champions League, he did not receive the “once-in-a-lifetime” contract that would have compelled him to continue his playing career.

Kjaer began his football journey with Danish side Midtjylland before moving on to play in top leagues across Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Turkey. One of his notable achievements includes winning the Serie A title with AC Milan in 2022.