Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Mike Field 
Date:Friday May 15 2009
Time: 3:41PM
UK time is: 10:20:56
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A Sad Day For Villans
As we know Martin Laursen has sadly announced his retirement from the game today, however the Villa will stay with him for life.
Speaking on the official site after the press conference Laursen admits he wished he had travelled to sunny old England earlier in his career as his spell with the Villa have brought him his best moments in football.
Some of the most special moments were obviously when he led us out as Captain.
'It's a sad and strange day. It's strange to sit down and talk about quitting the game. Less than five months ago I was flying. I was feeling really good and everything was going great for me. Now I can't play football anymore. It's strange, weird, sad and frustrating.
'It's been a while and I am now getting used to the thought that that's the way it is - that's life. But at the start I was very upset. It was very difficult for me.
'But now, I feel pretty relaxed and able to say 'that's life' and mean it.
'I can be happy with my career - especially the last two years here with Villa. That's been amazing for me. I have enjoyed my football the most over the last couple of seasons.
'I wanted that to continue because I was playing well and I felt wonderful about my game.
'The club was - and is - moving in the right direction and I was captain.
'To be skipper this season meant a lot. It was a real honour - a special privilege.
'To be captain of Aston Villa - a big, big club - was tremendous. I enjoyed it so much.'
It's just a shame we didn't get to see more of Laursen since his £3 million signing back in 2004.
But it speaks volumes about his quality when you see how we have struggled in games whenever he has been missing, yet in 91 appearances for us he managed to bag himself 11 goals.
There are plenty of midfielders plying their trade that would love that goalscoring record let alone fellow centre halves.
Martin has been one of the best defenders we have had the pleasure of seeing and I know I speak for us all in saying that we wish him the very best for his future.
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Your Comments
Apologies! All my fault you see, I picked him for my Fantasy League team and I have a habit of jinxing those I pick :-(
merlin
Apologies! All my fault you see, I picked him for my Fantasy League team and I have a habit of jinxing those I pick :-(
merlin
I'm absolutely gutted today. I keep telling people that an inpromptu Martin Laursen day is definetly in order for the Newcastle game. Viking hats with red and white face paint, easily done.
astonguerrilla
I'm absolutely gutted today. I keep telling people that an inpromptu Martin Laursen day is definetly in order for the Newcastle game. Viking hats with red and white face paint, easily done.
astonguerrilla
So so gutted to see lion heart Laursen retire. He was tremendous last season, and i think that if he had played all season no doubt he would have been crowned players and fans player of the season. Whoever we buy will no way full the void left by Laursen, we can go close but no way will we sign someone with the same fight, passion, and spirit as Laursen. Obviously in my opinon the only defenders that would fil the void are Terry, Ferdinand, and Vidic no one else. I will defo be there against Newcastle and i agree it should defo be a Laursen themed day. Long live the 'LEGEND' that is Laursen.
Jonesy08
So so gutted to see lion heart Laursen retire. He was tremendous last season, and i think that if he had played all season no doubt he would have been crowned players and fans player of the season. Whoever we buy will no way full the void left by Laursen, we can go close but no way will we sign someone with the same fight, passion, and spirit as Laursen. Obviously in my opinon the only defenders that would fil the void are Terry, Ferdinand, and Vidic no one else. I will defo be there against Newcastle and i agree it should defo be a Laursen themed day. Long live the 'LEGEND' that is Laursen.
Jonesy08
I am also gutted, agree with Jonesy comments. I don't think we will be able to fill his boots, because he was so valuble in several areas, not only defence, but remember his headed goals like against Ajax. But as MON said, his greatest contribution was his influence on the team as captain. I don't think its a coincedence that in the last 2 years, he has been our absolute talisman. Whenever he played, we performed, but without him, we often didn't. I don't think we could have lost a better player. We should never underestimate the likes of Friedel, Barry and Ashley, but as an individual, I think Martin Laursen has been more valueable than anyone. I wish him all the best, and would love him somehow to stay close to Villa, or fill some role at the club.
villa_de
I am also gutted, agree with Jonesy comments. I don't think we will be able to fill his boots, because he was so valuble in several areas, not only defence, but remember his headed goals like against Ajax. But as MON said, his greatest contribution was his influence on the team as captain. I don't think its a coincedence that in the last 2 years, he has been our absolute talisman. Whenever he played, we performed, but without him, we often didn't. I don't think we could have lost a better player. We should never underestimate the likes of Friedel, Barry and Ashley, but as an individual, I think Martin Laursen has been more valueable than anyone. I wish him all the best, and would love him somehow to stay close to Villa, or fill some role at the club.
villa_de
Horrible news, absolutely gutted. A big factor to us losing out on fourth in my opinion. We were really missing his threat from set-pieces, inspirational leading and his management of the defence. I would have to say, given his performances over the past few season's (against injury problems, too), he was, one of, if not - THE best centre back to grace our league. Thank you Martin!
benji_starsky_avfc
Horrible news, absolutely gutted. A big factor to us losing out on fourth in my opinion. We were really missing his threat from set-pieces, inspirational leading and his management of the defence. I would have to say, given his performances over the past few season's (against injury problems, too), he was, one of, if not - THE best centre back to grace our league. Thank you Martin!
benji_starsky_avfc
Really upset,but glad he`s been able to make this decision for himself,loved him and you can`t replace World Class.
ASPINALL
Really upset,but glad he`s been able to make this decision for himself,loved him and you can`t replace World Class.
ASPINALL
I wonder what kind of insurance we get on a player like Mart....Obviously irreplacable
Euro_Champs_82
I wonder what kind of insurance we get on a player like Mart....Obviously irreplacable
Euro_Champs_82
We should campaign to get him a testamonial, It would be a great way to show him our appreciation
andrew144
We should campaign to get him a testamonial, It would be a great way to show him our appreciation
andrew144
I am gutted for him, a genuine, committed, talented man who was an inspirational leader when he played. One of the best we have had in all my years following Villa. Best wishes for the future, mate, whatever you do. You will always be a Villa legend.
Madirish
I am gutted for him, a genuine, committed, talented man who was an inspirational leader when he played. One of the best we have had in all my years following Villa. Best wishes for the future, mate, whatever you do. You will always be a Villa legend.
Madirish
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