Martin Laursen: Playng for Villa has been the highlight of my career

May 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

RETIRING hero Martin Laursen has reflected on his time at Aston Villa and described it as the best period of his career.

Laursen announced his difficult decision to hang up his boots yesterday after a severe knee problem which required major surgery.

Laursen will return to Copenhagen at the end of the season to consider his future although he is contemplating a coaching career.

The Danish defender reckons his Villa Park days even eclipsed being part of AC Milans Champions League-winning squad.

Asked what was the highlight of his career, Laursen replied: The last two seasons for Aston Villa definitely.

AC Milan was an experience to go there, but I wasnt really playing.

Im talking about my personal achievements here now.

It was obviously unbelievable to win the Champions League, but I wasnt playing in the final. I was on the bench, so I was involved but I wasnt really playing.

I would say the last two seasons of my Villa career and the last six months when I was made captain was a big honour and something I really enjoyed as well.

Laursen also has fond memories of the 11 goals he scored in 89 appearances for Villa, particularly the ones in front of the Holte End.

I remember the first goal against Ajax at Villa Park after so many years without European football and I still hear the sound of when I scored in front of the Holte End, he said.

The Tottenham goal at Villa Park five minutes from time, the winner when we won 2-1 was also an unbelievable experience for me.