Leicester City legend Kasper Schmeichel has announced his retirement from football. The Danish international is currently with Celtic, but has missed the last few months with a shoulder injury.
The 39-year-old has now confirmed that the injury has forced him to end his playing career. Speaking in an interview with Danish outlet TV 2 Sport, he confirmed the news.
“When my contract with Celtic expires in June, I will stop my active football career,” he said.
“It is a decision that has been made for me. I have consulted various surgeons and experts in relation to my shoulder, and they have told me that I should not expect to return to playing top football. I have given myself a lot of thought, but I believe that now is the right time.”
Schmeichel was a key part of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning season 10 years ago. He remained at the club until the summer of 2022, playing in all three European competitions and lifting the FA Cup in 2021.
From Leicester, he moved to French side Nice, before spending a season with Anderlecht. He moved to Celtic in 2024.
Schmeichel has also played 120 times for Denmark. Upon the news the official Denmark X account wrote: “Kasper Schmeichel ends his career.
“From debut in Skopje to World Cup debut against Peru, big saves against some of the world’s best nations, a Euro semifinal at Wembley and much more.
“13 years. 120 matches for the National Team. Thanks for unforgettable moments, Kasper.”
The retirement announcement comes just days before Schmichel will return to Leicester and the King Power Stadium as part of a celebration for the 10-year anniversary of the title win.”
I think everyone dreams of saying goodbye on the field, but you don’t always get what you want,” Schmeichel added.
“I’ve had so much else along the way, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve had so many opportunities and things in my career. So many experiences.
“What stands out most is the friendships and connections I’ve made. The moments I’ve shared with them – for better or worse. I could have easily planned on just one game, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
“I am incredibly lucky to have so many good people around me. My life has of course been about football, but I also have a life on the side, and now I have to spend some time figuring out what the next path is.
“It is exciting. I hope that now that people know that I will not be playing football anymore, they are open to everything. It is an incredibly exciting place to be.
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“I myself do not have any clear plan or idea of what my life after football will look like.”
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