Leicester hero Kasper Schmeichel retires after career-ending shoulder injury

Former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has announced his retirement from professional football after a shoulder injury brought an end to one of the most accomplished goalkeeping careers of the modern era.

The 39-year-old confirmed that he will officially step away from the game once his contract with Celtic FC expires in June.

Schmeichel suffered the injury during a Europa League clash against VfB Stuttgart in February. Despite undergoing surgery in March in hopes of returning to action, specialists later advised him that continuing at the highest level would no longer be possible.

“It’s not the way I would have wanted to end my career,” Schmeichel said while confirming the decision to Danish broadcaster TV2.

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Leicester fairytale cemented his legacy

Schmeichel will forever be remembered for his role in Leicester City FC’s historic 2015-16 Premier League title triumph, regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories in football history.

The Danish goalkeeper was a vital figure in Claudio Ranieri’s side, producing crucial saves throughout the campaign as Leicester stunned the football world by winning the league against overwhelming odds.

He later helped Leicester secure the FA Cup in 2021 before ending a hugely successful 11-year spell with the club.

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Decorated career across England, France and Scotland

A product of Manchester City FC’s academy, Schmeichel spent the early years of his career out on loan before eventually establishing himself as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers.

Following his Leicester departure, he enjoyed a stint with OGC Nice before moving to Celtic, where he added back-to-back Scottish league titles to his trophy collection.

On the international stage, Schmeichel earned 120 caps for the Denmark national football team, making him one of the most capped players in the country’s history.

Schmeichel also carried one of football’s most iconic surnames. He is the son of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who captained Manchester United FC to Champions League glory in 1999 and helped Denmark win the 1992 European Championship.