Danish defender known for neutralising Ronaldo retires from international duty

The 33 year old defender discussed his choice in a conversation with Danish outlet Politiken, explaining that he has given the matter considerable thought in recent times.

"And I have always wanted to stop at the right time. For me, it is natural now", Vestergaard stated.

Danish national team manager Brian Riemer praises the central defender for his robust character and personality. Furthermore, the manager emphasises Vestergaard's "obvious and stable" attributes on the pitch.

The European Championship in 2021, where Denmark advanced to the semi finals, stands as a key highlight in Vestergaard's international career, according to Riemer, who also recalls Denmark's win against Portugal in the Nations League in 2025.

Riemer notes that Vestergaard effectively neutralised the star player Cristiano Ronaldo during the 1-0 triumph at Parken in the Nations League.

He "erased" Ronaldo that day, Riemer feels.

Vestergaard missed Denmark's two playoff games for qualifying to this summer's World Cup earlier in March due to a groin surgery.

Denmark fell short in the crucial away fixture versus the Czech Republic, so Vestergaard has opted to end his involvement with two years remaining until EURO 2028.

He does not envision himself fitting into the ongoing project featuring numerous new and young talents, he shares with Politiken.

During the autumn, Vestergaard featured in the pair of lacklustre World Cup qualifiers versus Belarus and Scotland, matches where Denmark might have clinched a spot at the World Cup finals.

The Leicester defender describes his national team tenure as the greatest and most significant honour in his career and life, beginning with his debut in 2013.

Vestergaard, who joined Leicester in 2021, accumulated 59 caps for the Danish national team.