KASPER SCHMEICHEL has called time on his football career.
The 39-year-old Celtic keeper has been forced to quit after doctors told him he couldn’t expect to return to the highest level following his persistent shoulder problem.
The legendary Danish netminder sustained the injury while on international duty against Portugal in Lisbon in March last year.
He missed several games with Viljami Sinisalo taking his place, but returned for the Scottish Cup Final where he was blamed for Aberdeen’s equalising goal in the 1-1 stalemate before the Hoops lost on penalty-kicks.
Schmeichel’s last appearance this season was the 2-1 loss to Hibs at Parkhead on February 22.
GREAT DANE…Kasper Schmiechel celebrates another Celtic success.
Finnish international Sinisalo stepped in and played the remaining 15 games as the champions lifted a fifth successive title and a Scottish Cup in an incredible run-in to the season.
Revealing he would be hanging up his gloves after a career that saw him win 120 caps and pick up three medals in two years at Parkhead, Schmeichel, speaking to Danish media outlet TV2, admitted: “I have consulted several different surgeons and experts regarding my shoulder and they have said that I should not expect to be able to return to elite football.
“I’ve thought a lot, but I think it’s the right time.
“This is a decision that has been made for me.”
“I would have loved just one more match, but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.”
The former Manchester City and Leicester City No.1 joined the Hoops on a free transfer from Anderlecht in the summer of 2024 after Joe Hart stepped down.
All at CQN wish the Great Dane a happy and successful retirement.
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