Kasper Schmeichel has been giving insight into his decision to sign for Celtic during the summer transfer window, explaining why he rejected a return to the English Premier League.
Since arriving to replace his friend and former teammate Joe Hart, Schmeichel has made a very positive impression on the goalkeeping position.
Hart was an influential figure within the Celtic dressing room and amongst the support, so the Danish international always had a tough task to follow in his footsteps.
However, consistent clean sheets domestically have helped him settle in nicely and there’s hope that he can still come up big across the remaining six Champions League games.
Considering he was a free transfer, Celtic’s move for him has received a big thumbs up.
The club did a grand job of getting him into Brendan Rodgers’ squad, fighting off strong interest from elsewhere.
Kasper Schmeichel turned down three Premier League sides for Celtic
Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet reports today that Schmeichel had the chance to join Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Wolves after his exit from Anderlecht before signing up in Scotland.
Explaining to the outlet his decision to join Celtic, the goalkeeper said: “Playing for the title, as I am now doing at Celtic, and at the same time being at the highest level in the Champions League, motivates me.
“When I look back on my career, the moments I have enjoyed the most have been the few matches I have had in the Champions League.
“Of course, the Premier League has a very special place in my heart, but for me, it was an easy choice to go to Celtic, where I have come to a club that plays in the Champions League, must win every game and have 60,000 fans at the home games. Those are exactly the challenges that really motivate me.
“When it comes to football, money has never been a motivation for me.”
Schmeichel has found a happy home in Scotland
It’s clear that Schmeichel is relishing the early stages of his spell at Celtic. At the tail-end of a long, illustrious career, this is the perfect place for him to stay sharp and motivated.
Even if his father, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, has been left buzzing by the experience so far.
The retired shot-stopper recently said: “It’s perfect. It’s perfect. With the manager he knows, the atmosphere around, I mean, Celtic is just a massive, massive club. You know that better than me, but the team they have, it’s amazing.”
Schmeichel is just getting started, too.
Adding more silverware and medals to his collection is now the aim as the Bhoys fly high in the Scottish Premiership and prepare for a Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Achieve that, and then he’ll really feel the power of Celtic.
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