Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has admitted he may have played his last game of football, as he revealed to CBS Sports Golazo that he has suffered an injury that may require two surgeries.
Schmeichel said:
"I could have potentially played my last ever football game. I was at a specialist yesterday. I’m going to need two surgeries to fix my shoulder. I’ve torn my bicep, rotator cuff, labrum and dislocated my shoulder. Everything is kind of gone. It’s looking like ten to 12 months of rehab.
You don’t know how to react to this. I could have potentially played my last-ever football game. That kind of thought is devastating. It’s very hard to wrap my head around at the moment. I’m going to give it everything to see if I can get back; it would be one of the greatest feats of my career to come back."
When asked about his feelings, he said:
"I was told yesterday. I don’t really know anything right now, in the sense that you don’t know how to react to this. I could have potentially played my last ever football game.
I have been a footballer since the day I was born. That kind of thought is devastating. It’s very, very hard to wrap my head around, at the moment."
He also admitted it was a struggle watching the Champions League with CBS, as he was aware he may never get to play again:
"It was a tough night. We were stood there, I was looking at the keepers warming up and thinking that I might never get to do that again, and so in that sense it was a tough night, very emotional.
As much as you guys have been nice, I haven’t enjoyed a single minute of it in that sense because you’re looking at what could be waiting for you – not that it’s not good in other ways, but I’ve been a footballer ever since I can remember, and to think that I might not be able to do that again – that’s tough.
I got the message yesterday that it could potentially be the end of my career because of my age. By the time I could get back fit, I could be 40+."
This news may ultimately end the footballer's career, and it's been a sad way for the 39-year-old to go out. His form has been in the trenches this season, with him responsible for some goals that the Hoops have conceded this season.
The goalkeeper suffered this injury while on international duty last week, meaning that he has been continuing to play while seriously struggling. That explains some of his mistakes, but also raises a massive question as to why he was allowed to continue starting for the Celts in a title race while obviously hurting.
Sad end to a good career
Schmeichel has undoubtedly had a good career, and it's sad to see him go out like this.
His Celtic contract expires at the end of the season, and now it's safe to say we will never see him play in the hoops again. After a good first season last campaign, hopes were high going into this one, and now it's obvious why he never reached the heights he could've.
Thankfully, Celtic aren't left struggling as Viljami Sinisalo has been in great form since taking the No.1 spot. He has shown why he deserves to be a starting goalkeeper for a massive club, and he should continue going forward.