DANISH-BORN DEFENDER EARNS SCORPIONS CALL-UP

By Modou Lamin Beyai Simon Sonni Richter, a Danish-born defender, has earned himself a maiden call-up to The Gambia national team, The Standard can exclusively reveal. The 32-year-old, who plays for FC Roskilde in the Danish 1st Division (second-tier), has already received an invitation to come and play for the Scorpions, according to information released by his club. The 5ft 10in central defender, who can also play as a right-back, has been invited for the Gambia’s friendly matches against Morocco and Central African Republic on March 23 and March 27 respectively in the North African country. Though the Gambia Football Federation is yet to release its squad list for the matches, The Standard understands that invitations have been sent and Simon is just one of those who will be newly called up. He told his club’s official website: “It [the call-up] was a bit unexpected for me but it is obviously something I’m really happy and proud [about]. Although it is not the Danish national team, it’s great to be invited as it is the dream of every little boy. I think I am going for the sake of my experience but it is something I will jump into it.” “I am proud to go and represent a country where my father comes from,” he added in an interview with SN.dk. Simon, who began his career at Rosenhøj BK and Brøndby IF, turned professional in 2005 when he joined FC Nordsjælland with spells at AB, BK Fremad Amager and HB Køge before moving to Roskilde in 2014. Simon is the son of a Gambian father and a Danish mother. He has a twin brother, Jonathan Richter, who retired from football at the age of 24. Simon’s twin, Jonathan, is currently disabled after being struck by lightning which resulted in cardiac arrest while playing for FC Nordsjælland in 2009. He is currently working as a sporting director at Danish non-league side FC Graesrödderne. Simon has featured 17 times in 21 matches for Roskilde, who are currently second in the 12-team Danish 1st Division league table with 36 points, one behind leaders, Hobro IK.]]>