Great Dane Sorensen retires at 41
SUNDERLAND legend Thomas Sorensen has retired from football, aged 41.
The Denmark international goalkeeper played 197 games for Sunderland, and also had spells at Aston Villa and Stoke City.
He finished career in Australia playing for Melbourne City and plans to stay there in retirement.
Next year he will complete a charity bike ride in the country which will see him ride 3,500km.
Announcing his decision to hang up his boots, Sorensen said: “It is with great pride and a little bit of sadness I today officially announce my retirement from professional football.
“I will be forever grateful for your support. Now the time has come to reflect and then start a new chapter in my life. Something I am really looking forward to.
“Staying in Melbourne I also hope to be able to continue my contribution to @melbournecity going forward.”
During five years on Wearside, the great Dane (pictured) became a huge fan favourite.
In his first season he earned the number one shirt, helping Peter Reid’s side win the thenFirst Division title (since rebranded as the Championship).
During that campaign he smashed the club’s clean sheet record, notching 29 shut-outs in 45 games. finishes.
In a separate post on Twitter, Sorensen thanked Sunderland fans for their support and well wishes.
He wrote: “THANK YOU to everyone on Wearside. Where it all started. So many great memories #retirement #AlwaysAMackem.”
Sorensen became renowned for his reliability between the sticks and also his great penalty saving record, stopping 12 in the top flight.
It was a penalty save which will go down as Sorensen’s defining moment at Sunderland.
He blocked a late spot kick in a derby against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in November 2000.
It sealed a second consecutive victory over their arch-rivals on their own stomping ground.