At just 32, former Danish international Thomas Gravesen has called time on his career. The combative central midfielder started his career with hometown club Vejle Boldklub (VB). He was soon on the move and played for Hamburg, Everton and Real Madrid. He didn’t last long at Madrid, as his combative style spilled over into training sessions and many Madrid stars were unhappy with his rough tackling. He did enough to get Robinho to take a swing at him (as pictured above). He was soon on his way out the door to Celtic after that incident. His last appearance was actually in an Everton shirt, as he spent the full After the last game of the 2007-08 season on loan from Celtic. He failed to feature regularly for Everton and was released during by Celtic this past summer. He had hoped to secure a spot with a top club, but failing that he has decided to call it a day.
Gravesen is quoted by Danish website Sporten.dk as saying : “I have spent some extraordinary years abroad, I have played and lived in four countries. But I’m 33 in March, so before age and health force my hand I have opted to take the decision to stop myself.”
Gravesen had called an end to his international playing days back in 2006, after having scored five goals in 66 appearances for Denmark.
I’m surprised that a Danish club such as Aalborg could not have used a player like Gravesen but perhaps the wages he would ask for and the reputation that hangs over him from the Madrid incicdent were not viewed as a good risk.
Here’s a link to a video showing one of Gravesen’s final goals, which came in a Celtic shirt.
