Milan defender and 2021-22 Serie A winner Simon Kjaer has officially announced that he will leave San Siro at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, bringing to a close a four-and-a-half year spell with the Rossoneri.
The 35-year-old will receive the chance to say his goodbyes during Milan’s final game of the season, at home against Salernitana on Saturday evening.
Kjaer joined the Rossoneri on an initial loan deal from Sevilla in January of 2020, before signing a permanent, two-year deal a few months later during the summer transfer window. He would go on to sign a contract extension in 2021, which is now into its final weeks.
For his part in saving the life of international teammate Christian Eriksen during EURO 2020, held a year later than originally scheduled, Kjaer was inducted into the Italian hall of fame.
After 90 Serie A appearances, one league title, an inclusion on the Ballon d’Or shortlist in 2021, Kjaer will now embark on a new journey away from San Siro.
What Kjaer said about his Milan departure
The Denmark national team captain sat down for a long, in-depth interview with Milan’s internal media channels, which was released on Tuesday.
When asked about his feelings leaving Milan, he told supporters that there are: “Many, positive and negative. I’ve had the feeling that it is right to end it now for a couple of months, and now it’s time for a new adventure.
“In my journey over these four years, I’ve reached a good level. But obviously I could have also given more, to help even more. Now is the right time.
Kjaer is still undecided as to his next move. He knows that he will have a busy few weeks preparing for Euro 2024, but he suggested that a decision on his next team at club level will have to wait until the tournament finishes.
“Let’s say I’ve divided my future into three sections,” he said. “There is a week to be available for my last match in San Siro. Then there is the adventure with Denmark, that’s always very special. And after that I have to find the right place to continue playing football. But, the most important thing is this week.”
Minimum 2 years past his expiry date.