MADRID. Apr 3 Danish midfielder Michael Laudrup said on Tuesday he would leave Real Madrid at the end of this season and go to either Japan or the United States for a year reports Reuter

Laudrup. 31. a former Barcelona player, has been two season* with Madrid, now trailing seventh In the Spanish First Division

"I would like to have retired at the lop of the European Championship like Frank Rijkaard but It was not to be and I'll go fighting to get the team Into the UEFA Cup." he told a news conference

'I'm not leaving Spain dis appointed I've had for more success than disappointment

He added the time had come to slacken the pace and spend more time with his fam •y

Real Madrid will be my last big team." Laudrup said

He did not rule out playing : for Denmark again It depends what the new coach has In mind but anyway it would only be three or four games a year Well see he said