Schmeichel retires with no way back from shoulder injuryImage source, SNSImage caption, Schmeichel won the Scottish Premiership with Celtic in each of his two seasons at the clubPublished14 minutes agoKasper Schmeichel has retired at the age of 39, with the Celtic and Denmark goalkeeper unable to recover sufficiently from a serious shoulder injury.Schmeichel, who was soon out of contract at Celtic, had been out of action since February and after consulting with surgeons has decided to end his playing career. “I believe that now is the right time,” the son of Manchester United great Peter told TV2.He suffered the injury during a Nations League quarter-final defeat to Portugal in March 2025 but played on with Denmark having used all of their substitutes.Schmeichel then aggravated the issue in Celtic’s Europa League defeat against Stuttgart 11 months later.He had vowed to do everything to prolong his career, including facing the prospect of up to a year of rehabilitation, but mentioned “this is a decision that has been made for me”.”I didn’t realise how bad it was back in March. It’s been a long process. When I landed on it in February, I could tell straight away that something was seriously wrong.”I have consulted with various surgeons and experts regarding my shoulder, and they have told me that I should not expect to return to playing top-flight football.”Schmeichel, who began his career at Manchester City, bows out with 120 caps for Denmark, including playing at the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 and reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020.He featured 39 times for Celtic this season, picking up a second Premiership winners’ medal from his two years in Glasgow.After 10 seasons at Leicester City, winning the Premier League in 2015-16 and FA Cup in 2021, Schmeichel had spells with Nice and Anderlecht before moving to Scotland.”I think everyone dreams of saying goodbye on the field, but you don’t always get what you want,” added Schmeichel.”I’ve had so much else along the way, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve had so many opportunities, 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.”Related topicsCeltic
