Zanka quits as international

FRIDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2024, 10:01 - lajoya
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OTHER Mathias ‘Zanka' Jørgensen has announced his retirement from Denmark's national team. The 34-year-old defender wants to free up more time for his family. Moreover, he no longer sees himself being there at the 2026 World Cup, so he wants to give opportunities to younger players now.


Zanko's international career spanned 16 years and went in waves. Sometimes he was there for a while, sometimes not. He was often called up in extremis after others dropped out due to injury. He says that also plays a role in this decision. ‘And now I can also devote myself completely to my club team and the matches we play there,' he said.

Zanka initially had no intention of publicly announcing his international retirement. But as some defenders cancelled for the internationals this month, voices in Denmark were raised as to why Zanka was not called up as a replacement. Hence now this public announcement anyway.

The 34-year-old Zanka played 37 international matches and was last there at the European Championships last summer. Full retirement from football he is not planning yet. ‘That could take a few more years,' he laughs. Zanka has a contract with Anderlecht until the end of this season.

Source: © Internal source