Denmark international centre back Andreas Bjelland has left Brentford FC after turning down the offer of a new contract. The 29-year-old joined The Bees on a three-year deal from FC Twente in the summer of 2015. That deal comes to an end today, Saturday 30 June, and Andreas has decided to move on despite the offer of a new contract at Griffin Park.

Andreas’ first year at Brentford was affected by a serious knee injury he sustained on his first start for the Club and he only played 65 games for The Bees over his three years in West London. But he played 35 of those games last season and scored his only goal for the Club against Nottingham Forest at the start of the campaign. He departs having played 62 Sky Bet Championship games for Brentford.

Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “We are all disappointed that we could not agree a deal with Andreas, as last season he had shown the quality he possesses in a positive season. His time was hampered by the serious knee injury but he successfully returned and became an important and popular player within the squad, also contributing in the rise of younger players like Chris Mepham. I would like to thank him for his contributions both on and off the pitch and wish him well for the future.”

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: “Andreas played a key role in the team last season and showed his qualities as a leader. There was a mutual interest in continuing our partnership for the seasons to come, but unfortunately it was not possible to agree terms for a new contract. At Brentford we will remember him for his game intelligence, amazing left foot and professional attitude - and I wish him all the best in the future."

Andreas came through the youth ranks at Lyngby and made his debut for them at the age of 18. He moved on FC Nordsjælland in 2009 and spent three years there, winning the Danish title, before signing for Twente. He also spent three years in the Dutch league before his move to Brentford.

Andreas has earned 28 caps for his country, six of which came in the qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Andreas has won seven caps since joining Brentford but, unfortunately, picked up an injury during a training camp ahead of the tournament and was left out of the final squad. He has represented his country at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level, playing in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championships.