Retirement? It’s not even crossed my mind
CITY’S NEW 34-YEAR-OLD CAPTAIN SCHMEICHEL HAS NO PLANS TO HANG UP GLOVES
RETIREMENT has barely crossed the mind of Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who hopes he has “a long time left” between the sticks.
Schmeichel, who turns 35 in November, was the second oldest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League on the opening weekend, after West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski.
But he says he has not really considered his plans after he hangs up his gloves, with his playing career his sole focus.
When asked whether he could move into management, Schmeichel told Sky Sports: “I haven’t thought too much about retirement. Hopefully I’ve got a long time left.
“But it wouldn’t be out of the question, whether it’s football management, business management, some kind of management within football, like a director’s role, I think would suit me well.
“When the time comes to retire, I’ll look at that, but for now it’s about enjoying every moment.
“It’s a short career, so the day you finish, you’re never going to get that back, so I’m not going to start thinking of what’s next. I’m just loving playing at the moment.”
Schmeichel’s assertion over his career will give City a decision to make in the future with the Dane’s contract at the King Power Stadium now into its final two years.
He does not sound like he will be ready to retire at 36, when that deal ends in the summer of 2023, and so discussions over an extension seem possible.
However, the club have two younger goalkeepers waiting in the wings: Wales international Danny Ward, and Daniel Iversen, who is currently on loan at Preston.
Schmeichel has not missed a Premier League match for City in three full seasons, and has now racked up 428 appearances for the club, putting him sixth on the all-time list. This summer, he was named permanent captain following the retirement of Wes Morgan.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said on his decision: “I think the role now of a captain involves quite a bit more responsibility (in the modern era). “It’s not just on the field, it’s off the pitch as well – the behaviour, absolutely everything.
“I think some managers just had a mindset that they only wanted their captain to be out on the field.
“But for me I’m comfortable either way (handing the armband to a goalkeeper or an outfield player).
“This is the natural progression for Kasper who is a wonderful ambassador for the club.
“Off the pitch he’s been through thick and thin here at the club.
“He understands the fabric of the club and on the field he’s a huge inspiration and one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We’re very, very lucky to have him.”
It’s a short career, so the day you finish, you’re never going to get that back
Kasper Schmeichel, pictured right