International Career
Laudrup was called up for the Danish national team during Brøndby's debut season in the top-flight. On his 18th birthday 15 June 1982 he became the then second youngest Danish national team player ever, following Harald Nielsen. Despite playing for relegation battlers Lazio, Laudrup starred for the Danish national team at the Euro 1984, playing all four Denmark matches.
He took part in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, a performance which is best remembered for his exceptional solo dribble and goal in the 6–1 defeat of Uruguay. He was also a part of the disappointing Danish national team at the Euro 1988 tournament, though Laudrup experienced personal success as he scored one of Denmark's two goals. Following three games in the qualification campaign for Euro 1992, Laudrup decided to quit the national team in November 1990 alongside Brian Laudrup and Jan Mølby, following differences with coach Richard Møller Nielsen. Denmark eventually won the tournament.
He returned to Nielsen's Danish squad in August 1993, but saw Spain and the Republic of Ireland qualify for the 1994 World Cup ahead of Denmark. He scored a goal in the 2–0 victory against Argentina, as Denmark won the 1995 Intercontinental Cup. He also scored four goals in 10 games as Denmark qualified for the Euro 1996, though the tournament would leave no positives for him.
His last games for Denmark came at the 1998 World Cup, when he captained Denmark to the quarter-final. He crowned his tournament performance with a trademark assist in the knock-out stage. In the Round of 16 elimination game against Nigeria, looking to his left, Laudrup launched a lob to his right, over the defenders. The pass was picked up by Ebbe Sand, who headed it past defender Taribo West, and converted the chance for the 3–0 goal in the 4–1 win against Nigeria. Denmark was defeated 2–3 by Brazil in the quarter-finals, and both Michael and Brian Laudrup announced their international retirement following the World Cup elimination.
Read more about this topic: Michael Laudrup
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“It is a great many years since at the outset of my career I had to think seriously what life had to offer that was worth having. I came to the conclusion that the chief good for me was freedom to learn, think, and say what I pleased, when I pleased. I have acted on that conviction... and though strongly, and perhaps wisely, warned that I should probably come to grief, I am entirely satisfied with the results of the line of action I have adopted.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)