Super Eagles: Kelechi Iheanacho’s close friend announces retirement from football.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has watched one of his closest football friends, Kasper Schmiechel, announce the end of his playing career, Afrik Foot reports.

During their time together at Celtic and Leicester City, the pair appeared in 154 matches, winning the English FA Cup, the Community Shield, the Scottish Premiership title and the Gas Men’s League Cup.

When Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer under former Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers, he spoke about his earlier relationship with Schmeichel while they were teammates at the King Power Stadium.

Kasper Schmeichel talks to Kelechi Iheanacho at Villa Park. Copyright: Imago

“When I was at Leicester, I used to sit next to Kasper in the changing room, so I’ll be happy to see him again,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner told Celtic TV. “It’s been a long time, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”

Kasper Schmeichel: Kelechi Iheanacho’s close friend retires from football

Set to become a free agent this summer, Kasper Schmeichel decided it was time to end his career after a prolonged shoulder injury.

Torwart Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic FC, looks on. Copyright: ImagoxHarry Langer DeFodi

Speaking in an emotional interview with TV 2 Sport in Parken, Copenhagen, the 39‑year‑old goalkeeper revealed the difficult reality of his situation. “When my contract expires with Celtic in June, I will stop my active football career,” Schmeichel confirmed. “It’s a decision that has been made for me. I have consulted with various surgeons and experts regarding my shoulder, and they have told me that I should not expect to return to play top football. I’ve given it a lot of thought, but I believe that now is the right time.”

BREAKING: Kasper Schmeichel announces his retirement from football pic.twitter.com/TOm4fkZgQ6

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 27, 2026

“I think everyone dreams of saying goodbye on the field, but you don’t always get what you want. I’ve had so much else along the way, so football doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve had so many opportunities, so many experiences. What stands out most are the friendships and connections I’ve made. The moments I’ve shared with them – for better or worse,” the former English Premier League winner concluded.

Despite being out of action since February, he has remained in the dressing room with his Celtic teammates and was seen in a close embrace with Kelechi Iheanacho after the Nigerian striker came off the bench to score in the League Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Glasgow, Barclays Hampden, Scotland. Copyright: ImagoxAlexxToddx

Schmeichel began his career at Manchester City, the final club his father, Peter, played for. He has earned 120 caps for Denmark, including appearances at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments and a semi‑final at EURO 2020.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer