Ex-Norwich City stalwart Åge Hareide is now out of work after missing the chance to lead Denmark to the postponed European Championships due to the global pandemic.

Hareide’s contract officially expires this summer, but the Danes have already lined up a successor who will take charge at the re-scheduled tournament in 2021.

The 66-year-old, who spent two years at Carrow Road as a player and was linked with the manager’s job after Glenn Roeder’s departure in 2007, insists he has no plans to retire.

“I think I will look for jobs in football, as long as my health is okay. I feel the last six years – two with Malmo and four with Denmark – everything has gone well,” said Hareide, who guided the Danes to both the World Cup finals and next year’s Euros.

“When everything goes well in football, you get more energy and you feel that you can work on and continue. At the moment it’s not so bad, but I know when the kick-off comes in the first game next year it will be difficult. I was thinking of the European Championships at home in Denmark and to finish up with that would have been perfect, but the coronavirus came.

Eastern Daily Press: Former Norwich City player Age Hareide will miss out on taking Denmark to the re-scheduled European Championships in 2021 due to the global pandemic Picture: Niall Carson/PAFormer Norwich City player Age Hareide will miss out on taking Denmark to the re-scheduled European Championships in 2021 due to the global pandemic Picture: Niall Carson/PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“You look at the people with problems and the people dying, it’s just a small part of it. It’s a small thing in a big world and you have to accept it.”

Hareide, who made 54 appearances for the Canaries following a permanent move from Manchester City, lost only three of 42 matches in charge of the Danes. He is also one of the few coaches active in Europe to lift three domestic league titles in three different countries.

“It has been an absolutely amazing time, and I would like to send a huge thank you to the players, the staff and all the fans that have been there for me and for us all the way through,” he said. “I’ll never forget the special moments I have experienced as a coach.

“But in the big picture I am not important. There are people who are losing their loved ones.”

Danish captain and former Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen paid a warm tribute to the departing Hareide.

“Thank you for all you have given me and all of us on the national team,” he tweeted on his personal account. “It has been a pleasure both on and off the field. Many victories and many goals.”