Most Celtic fans were uncertain about replacing the retiring Joe Hart with someone even older than him in the form of Kasper Schmeichel. They were teammates early on in their careers at Manchester City and both have gone on to enjoy great careers. How long does the Denmark international plan to continue playing for though?
Schmeichel is 38 years of age. Surely, he is in the twilight of his career. Although, he has already extended his contract with Celtic for another year after his impressive performances so far this season.
Schmeichel is not the long-term solution for Celtic. But at the moment, he is doing his job perfectly and as long as that is the case, the fans will be happy to have him around.
As reported by Glasgow World, when Gary Neville asked Schmeichel if he had any immediate plans to retire from professional football, or whether he believes he has two or three years left in him before that day comes. The veteran Celtic goalkeeper said on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast:
"Do you know, I’ve never thought in limitations.
“If I was thinking in limitations, I’d live into the whole living in the shadow of someone and maybe not achieving the things I wanted to. So I’ve always lived in the thought that anything is possible.
“But I’ve also been lucky in the sense that I’ve had a dad that’s gone through this. I don’t know how you guys feel, you’re all obviously retired. Is there a better job out there than being a footballer?
“While I’m physically able, I know there’s not something better waiting for me right now, but what I do now is I appreciate it more than ever."
Celtic: Kasper Schmeichel hints at retirement plans
Schmeichel spent the majority of his career with Leicester City. He won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Foxes.
But at Celtic, he is competing for trophies on a consistent basis for the first time in his career. Also, Schmeichel might get the chance to play Champions League football consistently as well, although the Hoops will need to qualify for the competition next season even if they win the Premiership, which they are almost certain to at this point.
For the time being, Schmeichel is doing a fantastic job as Celtic's number one. After that, hopefully, they will find a quality long-term solution between the posts, something that they need and have not had in years.