Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has lauded Portugal’s iconic forward Cristiano Ronaldo as the two prepare to face off in the Nations League this evening…
The Denmark veteran, with 111 caps to his name, will square off against the legendary figure on home soil, as both teams aim to advance in the League A play-off round of the international tournament.
‘There was talk of someone coming up who was special’
Ahead of the encounter, Schmeichel spoke to Danish media outlet sport.tv2.dk, offering high praise for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, though acknowledging their friendship will take a backseat for the 90 minutes at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium. Kasper Schmeichel said: “I remember when my father was at Sporting, there was talk of someone coming up who was special.
“It was Ronaldo of course, and I’ve played against him a few times for the national team. We’ve lived in the same town, and our children have gone to school together. He’s a nice guy who’s open and friendly.
‘He is one of the best footballers who’s ever lived’
“He is one of the best footballers who’s ever lived, and I always look forward to meeting someone like him. I have a great relationship with him, but hopefully it won’t be so good tomorrow!”
At 40, Ronaldo continues to play for Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, serving as an inspiring figure for Celtic’s 38 year-old goalkeeper and demonstrating that footballers are now enjoying longer careers.
‘It shows that we love playing football’
Reflecting on the aging process in both his and Ronaldo’s careers, Schmeichel outlined: “It shows that we love playing football. None of us need to play anymore, but we do it because we love to do it. The fire and passion are still there. I can only speak for myself, it’s more than ever. It’s great that he’s still going.”
The Celtic keeper has been appointed as the stand-in captain for Denmark
On a personal level, Schmeichel has been appointed as the stand-in captain for Denmark, stepping up in place of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is sidelined with a calf injury sustained at Olympique Marseille.
Upon being given the captaincy for the upcoming fixtures, Schmeichel said: “I have always said that being captain of Denmark is a boyhood dream and a great honour.
“There is nothing greater individually, and I do not take it for granted. I take the responsibility, but my role does not change. I try to be myself as much as possible, but personally, it means a lot to me.”
Best of luck to Kasper.
Conor Spence
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