Kasper Schmeichel is beginning to adjust to life after his professional playing career came to an end last season after doctors told him that he faced a serious of operations on his shoulder…
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The former Celtic goalkeeper played on through the pain barrier but after landing awkwardly on his injured shoulder in the Europa League play-off round against Stuttgart at Celtic Park he had to call time on his playing days on medical advice.
Now Kasper pops up on commentary duties, a role that Joe Hart also undertakes to great effect, and there are other duties Celtic’s former Great Dane is now doing on a regular basis, and that’s chauffeuring his three kids around!
Speaking at the EFC General Assembly in Copenhagen, Kasper Schmeichel admitted that he’s practically working full-time as a taxi service at the moment!
“I have got three kids. I am a full-time Uber driver, basically,” the former Celtic goalkeeper admitted. “It is a strange transition. It wasn’t one I was ready for.
“Life throws these things at you, and I am adjusting. I am doing some courses, some TV work and driving the kids around. Because I didn’t retire on my own terms, I still have my competitive edge.” the former Celtic star admitted.
Kasper might not be able to play the game he loves any more but he’s clearly far from done with football entirely. Coaching roles, even going into management are options far from being off the table.
“I would like to manage – to be a football manager or higher. The fire is still burning quite strongly,” Schmeichel revealed. “I don’t really enjoy getting the (coaching) badges, but you have got to get them.
“When I am on the pitch – coaching or helping youngsters coming through – I do get enjoyment out of that. My whole life I have been used to an expectation to perform, and I thrived on it.
“Now from one day to the next, that’s gone. That dopamine hit needs replacing.”
Whichever way Kasper goes he is sure to bring a steely determination to it and also an amazing will to win. After Joe Hart and then Kasper, the Celtic support was rather spoiled when it came to experienced, top quality keepers wearing our gloves.
For now it’s a decision for Martin O’Neill whether he sticks with Viljami Sinisalo or bring back Sam Johnstone after both keepers made mistakes in the recent defeat against the latest Ibrox club.
