Kasper Schmeichel ended his Celtic career with two trophies, but injury stopped brought his time in Glasgow to a premature end.
There was never a farewell at Celtic Park or the chance to stand in front of the support one last time.
Schmeichel had tried to fight his way back from the shoulder problem that brought his season to an early end. Once the doctors gave him their verdict, there was no way back.
How will you reflect on Kasper Schmeichel’s two years at Celtic?
Kasper Schmeichel reveals his Celtic regret
Schmeichel has now revealed the one part of his Celtic exit he wishes had been different. He wanted one last chance to thank the fans who had backed him before he walked away from football.
The former Celtic goalkeeper said, “Every footballer dreams that he’ll bow out on the pitch. That’s what I would have liked – to be able to say thank you, to show my appreciation for the support and love I received through the years.
“But it was more important to finish the year with the trophy, and we did finish with two. That, for me, was the most satisfying part through a lot of adversity.
“That we got over the line in the end was massive.”
Schmeichel never got that moment. By the time Celtic were celebrating the title, his final appearance had already come and gone.
Celtic trophies mattered more to Schmeichel
The goalkeeper’s shoulder injury worsened during Celtic’s European tie against Stuttgart. His final appearance came against Hibs three days later, although nobody thought it would be the last match of his career.
Schmeichel underwent surgery and hoped to play again, but specialists eventually ruled it out.
Watching Celtic clinch the title against Hearts mattered more to Schmeichel than the goodbye he never got.
Schmeichel did not receive the planned Celtic Park farewell Joe Hart enjoyed before him. Injury took that choice away, but Schmeichel still walked out of Celtic as a double winner.
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