Nielsen ready for final bow

FC København central defender Michael 'Mio' Nielsen will retire on 11 December following a match between the Danish champions and a team selected from the seven first and second division clubs based in the Danish capital.

'Unique respect'
"Mio has always shown a unique respect for the spirit of the game, the team, the club and our many fans," said president Flemming Østergaard. "We believe that last season ended the way it was supposed to, when Mio scored one of the most remarkable goals of his career away to Odense BK and afterwards was able to lift the Danish championship trophy."

Two caps
A rock in defence and always a threat in the air, Nielsen has played close to 300 matches for the club. He had planned to retire in the summer of 2001 to take up an administrative job, but instead decided to sign a six-month contract extension. Twice capped by Denmark, Nielsen is now looking forward to bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career in a match billed as 'The battle of Copenhagen'.

Happy farewell
"Of course, it's sad to have to say goodbye but I am very happy that it will take place in the ground and in front of the crowd which I care most about," said Nielsen. "The Parken stadium and the fans have meant everything to me in my long spell at the club."