Thursday Sep 29 2005 09:56
Denmark striker Ebbe Sand has announced his retirement from international football after his country were knocked out of Euro 2004 by the Czech Republic.
The 31-year-old, who plays his club football in Germany with Schalke, has called time on his Danish career after scoring 22 goals in 66 internationals.
Sand, who sat out the 3-0 quarter-final by the Czechs, said of his decision: "I have chosen to stop because it's too tough physically and I can't perform to my best level playing in two teams.
"I feel to carry on would be to sit between two chairs."
Sand's national team coach Morten Olsen was understanding about his player's decision to call time on his international career.
He added: "Ebbe has told me now and we have talked about it and I understand his reasons to stop.
"I have had a fantastic time with Ebbe and I think he had a good end to his career in the Danish national team."
Of possible replacements for the prolific hitman, Olsen concluded: "It's too early to say now. We know Ebbe won't play any more, but it's too early to say anything yet."
Sand made his international debut just over six years ago against Norway.
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