The 30-year-old midfielder, who moved from Real Madrid to Scottish Premier League team Celtic on Aug. 30, first represented Denmark in 1998 and has since earned 66 caps.

``I already feel at home in Scotland and therefore I would like to focus 100 per cent on my new job,'' Gravesen said in a press release. ``I have had some fantastic experiences on the national team.''

Gravesen was a member of the Denmark's 2002 World Cup lineup, and contested the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.

The hard-tackling Dane scored five times in his international career and was credited with having a hand in many others.

Coach Morten Olsen said he has known of Gravesen's decision for some time and had tried to persuade him to stay on the team.

``Unfortunately, I didn't succeed,'' Olsen said in the same statement released by the Danish soccer federation. ``He must of course decide what is best for him. I respect his decision and wish him all the best with his career with Celtic.''

Gravesen, known for his good-natured teasing off the field, was also renowned for yelling at teammates who missed an opportunity on the pitch.

Gravesen and Stig Toefting formed a conspicuous bald-headed pairing in Denmark's midfield until Toefting's retirement in 2002.