Boilesen to retire at end of season

F.C. Copenhagen's Nicolai Boilesen will retire from football at the end of the 2024/25 season.
 
The 33-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, winning four Danish Superliga titles and two Danish Cups – plus a string of trophies for Dutch club Ajax.
 
"Coming to F.C. Copenhagen was the best decision I ever made, and I have enjoyed every moment," says Boilesen.
 
"I want to say thank you for nine years, through the ups and downs. A big thank you goes to the fans, who have always supported me and I can promise that I will remember all the great experiences with you behind me. And I will never forget the support I have received when I have been out with injuries.
 
"At the same time, there are a lot of people to whom I also owe a big thank you. All those in Parken and at Number 10, who have made everyday life flow and function.
 
"It is the relationships and the people you interact with that have made it special for me to be in Copenhagen. This is a very special club that means a lot to me. I will look forward to following along in the future, and I wish everyone at the club the best in the future."
 
Boilesen started his senior career at Ajax, where he played from 2011 to 2016. He moved to FCK in the summer of 2016 and helped the Lions secure the league title that season.
 
Injury has kept the defender out of action this season and he believes it is time to end his playing career.
 
"There are an incredible number of things that I am proud of having achieved through football," he says.
 
"But I must also admit that I hoped I'd have played even more matches, had it not been for the injuries, which are also the reason why I am now saying goodbye.
 
"It hurts to say goodbye to what I have enjoyed every single day. But I feel lucky to have been given this unique opportunity."
 
Boilesen's FCK debut came in February 2017 and he played a total of 187 matches for the Lions. In addition, represented Denmark 22 times and was part of the UEFA Euro 2020 squad (played in 2021).
 
Sune: A truly talented footballer
“Nicolai is a truly talented footballer, with an incredibly high level of game intelligence,” says FCK sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen.
 
“Throughout his time at F.C. Copenhagen, he has shown to be a player with very high international standards.
 
"We have benefited from this in many matches, but unfortunately he has also missed a lot of games due to his serious long-term injuries. But we must remember all the positive experiences and moments on the pitch.
 
"Nicolai can look back on a great career, where he played with and against some of the best in the world. We wish Nicolai all the best in the future, and thank him for his time at F.C. Copenhagen."
 
Neestrup: An absolute top player for the club
FCK head coach Jacob Neestrup adds: "Nicolai has made his name at F.C. Copenhagen across nine seasons.
 
"He's a player who has won championships, cup finals, big European group games and big knock-out matches.
 
“His high game intelligence and technical flair have made him an absolute key player for F.C. Copenhagen under several coaches in the seasons when he has been injury-free.
 
“Personally, I remember his performance in the Champions League match in Munich in the autumn of 2023 as something very special with calm, energy and composure.
 
“Everyone who supports F.C. Copenhagen knows that Boilesen has been hit by several long-term injuries, which has undoubtedly put an end to his opportunity to play even more games for the club.
 
“We must remember him at his best, because in his prime he has been an absolute top player for the club."
 
F.C. Copenhagen will bid a fitting farewell to Nicolai Boilesen on Sunday at Parken.