Lundekvam is to retire after 12 years with Saints (Getty)

Southampton club captain Claus Lundekvam is to retire from professional football because of a long-standing ankle injury.

The 35-year-old had hoped to return to training this month after surgery but suffered a recurrence of his problem.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "This is it for me, it's game over. It's very sad, but it hasn't really sunk in yet."

Lundekvam has made over 400 appearances for Saints since joining from Brann Bergen in 1996 for �350,000.

Interview: Claus Lundekvam talks to BBC Radio Solent

"I've prepared myself for this situation slightly over the last few weeks after a snapped the tendon in my ankle," he said.

"But it's very difficult to come to terms with. Maybe once the season is finished and the players have gone I'll find it hard to deal with."