Strandli forced to retire

Norwegian international Frank Strandli has been forced to retire from football due to a recurring groin injury aged just 28.

Surgery failed to save career
The striker, who has represented his country on 24 occasions, took the decision after breaking down towards the end of last season - a year after a successful comeback from surgery.

Jacobsen confirms decision
The retirement of the Aalborg BK forward was confirmed by Lynge Jacobsen, the Danish club's sports director. "Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario has come true for Frank and medical examinations last week proved that he won't be able to play any more," he said on Thursday.

Championship success
Strandli, a former Panathinaikos FC, Leeds United AFC, Lillestrøm SK, SK Brann and IK Start player, was a key figure in Aalborg's 1999 Superligaen triumph. His return to action late last season following an operation in March 2000 was spectacular, scoring six goals in seven matches, but his latest injury has proved career ending.

Beck joins
Aalborg have already signed Danish international striker Mikkel Beck on loan from Lille OSC as a replacement for Strandli.