Premier League hero immediately retires after suffering career-ending injury | Football | Sport

Kasper Schmeichel, who won the Premier League with Leicester City back in 2016, has announced that he has been forced to hang up his gloves with immediate effect. The Celtic stopper revealed the decision has effectively been made for him following a career-ending shoulder injury.

The Dane sent shockwaves through the footballing world in March, acknowledging that a persistent shoulder problem could spell the end of his playing days. He sustained the injury while representing Denmark against Portugal over a year ago and was forced to battle on with the Scandinavians having exhausted all of their substitutions. He subsequently worsened the damage during Celtic’s exit from the Europa League at the hands of Stuttgart.

The 39-year-old was then left confronting the very real prospect of retiring from the sport, with surgery and the subsequent year-long rehabilitation required.

Schmeichel had already gone under the knife once but was facing a far more serious operation further down the line. Now, he has confirmed that he has reluctantly accepted his career is at an end.

He told TV2: “I have consulted several different surgeons and experts regarding my shoulder, and they have said that I should not expect to be able to return to elite football. I’ve thought a lot, but I think it’s the right time.”

The Danish Football Association have paid their respects following Schmeichel’s announcement, with the goalkeeper earning 120 caps for the national side.

His final appearance came in a heartbreaking defeat to Scotland, which saw Steve Clarke’s men book their place at this summer’s World Cup with three breathtaking goals in a thrilling 4-2 victory.

Denmark subsequently fell short in the play-offs after Schmeichel’s injury was confirmed.

The Danish FA announced: “Kasper Schmeichel retires. From debut in Skopje to World Cup debut against Peru, great saves against some of the world’s best nations, a European Championship semi-final at Wembley and much more.

“13 years. 120 caps for the Men’s National Team. Thanks for unforgettable moments, Kasper.”