Christian Nørgaard, who announced his retirement from the Denmark national team [Photo] = Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Christian Nørgaard has announced his decision to retire from international duty with Denmark.
The 32-year-old joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025 after stints with Hamburger SV, Brøndby, Fiorentina, and Brentford. While he has made 19 appearances across all competitions as a midfield option, he has not started a single Premier League match this season, featuring in only six games off the bench.
Nørgaard made his senior debut for Denmark in September 2020, earning 41 caps and scoring two goals. However, the national team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Czech Republic in a penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifying playoff final on March 31, missing out on this summer’s World Cup.
In a post on his official Instagram account, Nørgaard wrote: “I have decided to leave the national team. It was a difficult decision,” while sharing his thoughts:
“There is nothing I love more than meeting my teammates and staff at Marienlyst. Nothing I love more than playing in a packed, passionate Parken wearing the red and white jersey. At the same time, I received great trust from coach Brian Riemer. Personally, the victory against Portugal in 2025 stands out. That night was magical at Parken. I was able to show leadership in midfield, which I love.”
“On the other hand, wanting to spend more time with my family made it an easy decision. After failing in World Cup qualification, Denmark is fortunate to still have many talented players, so it feels natural to step aside for them.”
“Age Hareide was the first to call me up to the national team. He didn’t give me playing time, but I witnessed how cultural bearers like Simon Kjær, Kasper Schmeichel, Christian Eriksen, and Thomas Delaney created space to strengthen team unity. I believe that unity still lives on in the team.”
“My debut came in 2020 under Kasper Hjulmand. Under his guidance, we played some of the best football during my time with the team—perhaps in Denmark’s history—and achieved the best results. The summer of 2021 (reaching the semifinals of EURO 2020) will forever be the brightest chapter of my football career.”
“Now it’s over. I look forward to supporting as a fan, but I am no longer part of the team. Thank you to the players, staff, and all the fans for helping me fulfill a boyhood dream.”