Kasper Schmeichel announced his retirement at age 39 due to a serious shoulder injury that could not be sufficiently recovered. He had been sidelined since February and consulted surgeons and experts. The injury occurred during a Denmark Nations League quarter-final defeat to Portugal in March 2025, and it worsened later during Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Stuttgart. After being out for months and facing up to a year of rehabilitation, he said the decision was effectively made for him and that he should not expect to return to top-flight football. He leaves international football with 120 Denmark caps, including World Cup appearances in 2018 and 2022 and a Euro 2020 semi-final run. He also won domestic honors with Leicester City and Celtic.
"I believe that now is the right time."
"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."
"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 think everyone dreams of saying goodbye on the field, but you don't always get what you want. 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."
Read at www.bbc.com
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