Former Denmark captain Simon Kjaer officially announced his retirement from soccer on Monday, despite receiving offers to extend his playing career after leaving AC Milan as a free agent last year.

Kjaer is likely to be most remembered for his heroic actions during the European Championship in June 2021, when he rushed to assist teammate Christian Eriksen after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Kjaer also took the initiative to shield Eriksen from public view while medical assistance was provided, and he offered comfort to Eriksen’s partner on the field.

For their quick response and solidarity, Kjaer, the Denmark team, and the medical staff were later honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award in Copenhagen.

Eriksen has since returned to professional soccer, playing for Denmark and currently for Manchester United, where he has surpassed Kjaer’s 132 appearances, holding the record with 140 caps for the national team.

The 35-year-old Kjaer shared with Danish broadcaster TV2 that he had opportunities to join Champions League clubs but did not receive a “once-in-a-lifetime” offer that would entice him to continue playing.

A formidable central defender, Kjaer began his career with Danish club Midtjylland and went on to play in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Turkey, culminating in a Serie A title with Milan in 2022.