Best quotes on Peter Schmeichel

Probably the greatest goalkeeper to ever play for Manchester United and Denmark, take a delve into some of the historic best quotes on Peter Schmeichel.

With the honour of an MBE, standing over six foot tall, and weighing over 15 stones, Schmeichel was a giant of a man in many ways, as well as being Denmark’s most capped goalkeeper.

A legend whilst at Manchester United, he won five Premier League, three FA Cups, and the memorable UEFA Champions League final in 1999 when he was the captain. The sight of the United keeper venturing into the penalty area as his team blasted in a dramatic injury time equaliser, was soon followed by a triumphant cartwheel in his own penalty area as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer slotted in a winner with seconds to go.

Born to a Polish jazz musician, Schmeichel married the daughter of his first team coach at Danish club Gladsaxe-Hero BK. And even before turning professional, he had jobs as a factory worker, a cleaner, with the World Wildlife Fund, and also with an advertising company.

Joining the Old Trafford outfit in 1991, he spent eight seasons with the Red devils, epitomised by his domineering presence, his noisy antics on the field, and his ability to score goals. He was a 129-game veteran of the Denmark national team, with his proudest moment coming in the 1992 European Championship, when his country lifted their first international football title.

Having only just qualified for the finals due to Yugoslavia’s disqualification, Schmeichel was a major factor in his team’s success with some important saves throughout the tournament. He was voted the goalkeeper of the competition, before being named the ‘World’s Best Goalkeeper’ of the year by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.

“There weren’t many goalkeepers better than Peter Schmeichel – in his generation or any generation”     Andy Cole

“The one that was hardest with me was Schmeichel…..”     Gary Neville

“I’m a musician and my wish was that Peter would also be a musician…..But he played football.”     Tolek Schmeichel

“…..great contribution to football and the extent to which he has been such a powerful role model.”     Tessa Jowell

“Peter is a superb professional and was a fantastic loyal servant to Manchester United.”     Alex Ferguson

“Everyone at Old Trafford wishes him all the best and congratulate him on receiving his MBE.”     Alex Ferguson

“Peter Schmeichel, because you could see his huge presence in the Man United goal……he was more advanced. He was more aggressive in his positioning, cutting down the angles.”     Petr Cech (discussion on goalkeepers)

“You don’t recover easily from losing a Peter Schmeichel.”     Alex Ferguson

“…..he is a legend in his own right…..Peter has been in a league of his own.” Graham Taylor

“…..bargain of the century.”     Alex Ferguson

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about him. He was a great goalkeeper and I class him as a friend. He’s a lovely guy.”     Andy Cole

“Schmeichel was possibly the greatest keeper of all time.”     Alex Ferguson

“The one that stood out for me is Peter Schmeichel…..If he wasn’t a world-class goalkeeper, then I don’t know what is.”     Gary Neville

“Schmeichel pulled off saves he wasn’t entitled to make……There were moments of wonder.”     Alex Ferguson

“He was different…..He was eccentric at times, but he is what he is.”     Andy Cole

“This is an honor for me. The best goalkeeper in the history of (Manchester United).”     Fred Rodrigues

“He is a giant figure in the history of Manchester United.”     Alex Ferguson

“Coming from someone like him…..it’s a big compliment.”     Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager after Schmeichel praise)

“You look at Peter Schmeichel……very vocal…..giving instructions constantly.”     Derek Whyte

“I suppose I’d have to say Peter but I still feel he was overrated.”     Roy Keane (discussion on great goalkeepers)