Gravesen quits Denmark

Denmark midfielder Thomas Gravesen has made the surprise decision to retire from international football, citing the need to make a fresh start in his career with new club Celtic FC.

'Listen to my body'
Gravesen, who has 66 caps and scored five goals for his country, said: "I am very happy with my move to Celtic and I am looking forward to a new start as a footballer. Therefore I feel this is the right time to end my career in the national team. Since my first appearance in 1998, I have played at two [UEFA] European Championships and one [FIFA] World Cup and have had some fantastic experiences. But with the switch to Celtic, it seems the right time to retire from the Denmark team. I do not feel that I have the same power that I had just a year ago, and in this situation I feel it is important to listen to my body."

Olsen consent
The 30-year-old joined Celtic from Real Madrid CF last month but blamed himself for mistakes which led to two of Manchester United FC's goals in Wednesday's 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat for the Scottish champions. Denmark coach Morten Olsen, who had the playmaker in his side for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying win in Iceland last week, admitted he had "tried to make him change his mind" but said "I respect his decision". Gravesen, a Vejle BK product, made his name in three Bundesliga seasons with Hamburger SV and a four-and-a-half year spell with Everton FC in the English Premiership.