The Dane tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in 2016, when he played in the youth academy of PSV.
Seven years later, in April 2023, Laursen tore the ACL in his right knee when he and Heracles Almelo were nearing promotion to the Eredivisie. Laursen played a pivotal part in Heracles' triumphant season with 16 goals and 8 assists in 29 games. On his way to a comeback, Laursen tore his left ACL again in January 2024 during his first friendly match since the injury.
Laursen never played another minute of professional football and, on Thursday, officially announced his retirement. The left winger will return to his native Denmark and focus on a professional career. "I have to move on with my life," he told Heracles TV. "I'm going back home. Study, maybe go on a holiday."
Electric debut
Laursen started his career with Brondby in Denmark, where he made his professional debut at the age of 17 in April 2015. Manager Thomas Frank brought Laursen on in the 84th minute of the Superliga game against Vestjaelland, and the winger scored the 4-0 five minutes later.
PSV picked the youngster up for a reported fee of €1 million, but he'd never play a minute in the first team. Laursen went on to play one season on loan at Brondby before being sold to FC Emmen in 2019. Laursen then joined Heracles Almelo in 2021.
