Despite recent reports that he was eager to extend the 12-month deal he signed in June 2014, Danish state radio reported on Wednesday that Laudrup had emailed them to say he was quitting.

"Unfortunately, there were things concerning the contract that we could not agree on, and therefore I will NOT be continuing in Qatar," the former Denmark international was quoted as writing.

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Former Swansea City manager Laudrup, who won the Qatari title and was named coach of the year last season, is one of the favourites to succeed Morten Olsen as Denmark national team coach when he steps down in 2016.

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