Kasper Schmeichel has revealed he has become a “full-time Uber driver” after being forced to retire from football last season. The 39-year-old Dane, who won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, ended his playing career following a troublesome campaign with Celtic, in which injuries caused major problems for the shot-stopper.
Despite his age, Schmeichel had been planning to continue his career, but decided he would be better off hanging up his gloves instead. Since retiring, the former Manchester City academy player has found himself with little to occupy his time.
Strange transition after forced retirement
Speaking at the EFC General Assembly in Copenhagen, Schmeichel said: “Beyond belief. I have got three kids. I am a full-time Uber driver, basically. It is a strange transition. It wasn’t one I was ready for. Life throws these things at you, and I am adjusting.”
He added: “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. I would like to manage – to be a football manager or higher. The fire is still burning quite strongly.”
Coaching ambitions and father’s view
Schmeichel admitted he does not enjoy working towards his coaching badges, but recognises their necessity. He said: “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.”
He also spoke about the loss of routine: “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.”
His father, former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, commented on his son’s situation: “It is a difficult period for Kasper now. One day you are somebody. You have an identity. And then the next day you have nothing.”
He continued: “There’s nothing there and you can’t replace it with anything. I retired on my own, but with Kasper it was an injury. You don’t know what the next bit of your life looks like.”
Career highlights and final clubs
Schmeichel is best remembered as the starting goalkeeper when Leicester won the Premier League title against all odds in 2016. His career began with a difficult spell at Manchester City, which included loan stints at Darlington, Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff, and Coventry.
After leaving Leicester, the Copenhagen-born goalkeeper joined Nice and then Anderlecht, before ending his career at Celtic.
