Nielsen to call it a day

Danish international Peter Nielsen has decided to retire at the end of this season.

Shattered dreams
The VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach midfield player had been in contention for a spot in Morten Olsen's FIFA World Cup squad before a leg fracture in the 1. Bundesliga match against BV Borussia Dortmund on 9 March ended any hope of making the finals.

'My decision is final'
"I have told the Mönchengladbach management that my decision is final," said Nielsen. "I've given it a lot of thought. It's been a fantastic life but I think I am making the right decision." Nielsen, 33, is now keen to pursue a career in coaching.

Major blow
The news comes as a major blow not only for Olsen but also for Mönchengladbach coach Hans Meyer, who was keen to extend Nielsen's contract. "He has been my most important player and we are now left with a huge gap in midfield which we have to fill before next summer," said Meyer.

Illustrious career
Nielsen began his career with BK Fremad Amager and also enjoyed spells with FC København and Lyngby BK before moving on to Germany. He earned ten caps for Denmark and was part of the squad that won the 1992 UEFA European Championship.