Copenhagen - Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen has decided to retire, he said in published remarks Tuesday.

"I have had fantastic years abroad, and there are many I want to thank," Gravesen said in a statement published by the Vejle Amts Folkeblad newspaper.

"If I had the chance, I would have done it again," he added.

Recently, there had been speculation that Gravesen would make a comeback with his former club Vejle Boldklub.

"I am 32, and turn 33 in March, so before age and health decide it for me, I wanted to call it quits myself," Gravesen said.

Gravesen made 66 appearances for Denmark, and played in the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 finals as well as the 2002 World Cup finals.

His international career included stints with SV Hamburg, Everton, Real Madrid and Glasgow Celtic. (dpa)