Brentford manager Keith Andrews praised Christian Nørgaard after the Dane announced his retirement from international football.
The 32-year-old made 181 league appearances for the Bees between 2019 and 2025, but decided to call time on his international career after Denmark failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Andrews stated Nørgaard, now playing for fellow Londoners Arsenal, received no outside help from his fellow Danes at Brentford in making the decision.
Andrews said: “Christian’s international plans are very much his business. He’s someone who I missed when he left.
“I really enjoyed working with him last season. I have the utmost respect for him as a professional and as a man.
“He was a really good leader, a quiet leader, has really good values. I wish him well.”
The Dane left west London last summer for Arsenal for a fee in the region of £10million plus add-ons, but has only managed six Premier League appearances as a substitute since joining the Gunners.
Nørgaard’s international debut came during the Covid-19 pandemic in September 2020 against England in a behind-closed-doors in Copenhagen – a 0-0 draw which also saw Jack Grealish make his debut for the visitors.
He went on to play in three major international tournaments for Denmark, including playing in the Euro 2020 semi-final defeat to England at Wembley.
The former Bees man said in a statement on Instagram that family considerations and the emergence of younger talents aided his decision.
Nørgaard’s last game was Denmark’s penalty heartache loss to Czechia in a World Cup play-off where he came on as a sub and will retire with 41 caps.
Former Republic of Ireland international Andrew joked that he never got the opportunity to retire from international football, but addedeach person must follow their own path.
Andrews said: “I didn’t retire, I just wasn’t picked.
“I was very patriotic, I’m still very patriotic.
“I loved playing for my country, but it’s very much an individual decision.”
Feature image: Dicken Richards
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