โดย ryan_off » พฤหัสฯ. ก.ย. 23, 2010 01:46
Peter Schmeichel is without question the greatest Goalkeeper in the history of Manchester United. In fact, although comparisons over time are difficult, he could likely be the greatest Goalkeeper of all-time. It is impossible to find a weakness or flaw in this man mountain of a player, in every department he was pure class through and through. Ultra-competitiveness, aggression and unlimited motivation made this "Great Dane" a seemingly unbreachable fortress.
Born in Gladsaxe, Denmark, he was a United supporter as a boy and his idol was 80's stopper, Gary Bailey. He began playing often as a striker but his real talent was found to be in goal. Soon Schmeichel was playing as a professional for local side Hvid๘vre, but he really made his reputation when he moved to top Copenhagen side Brondby.
Alex Ferguson spotted his potential and took him to Old Trafford in August 1991 for the ridiculously small sum of £500,000. No disrespect to Les Sealy and Jim Leighton but the Goalkeeping position had always been a problem area at United. The big man solved that and the trophies soon rolled in: League Cup in 1992, Premier League in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1999 plus 3 FA Cups to make three "Doubles". And, of course the crowning glory of that unforgettable Champions League victory in the 1999 Treble season.
He decided to leave English football at the end of the 1999 season because the gruelling 60 game a season schedule at United was threatening to undermine his high standards at the age of 35. In the less intense environment of Sporting Lisbon in 2000 (his first season) he helped them win their first League title in 17 years. Schmeichel played his last International for Denmark against Slovenia in April 2001 having won a record 129 Danish caps.
There was a final twist in the tail however, that shocked everyone in the football world, as Schmeichel returned to the Premiership with Aston Villa on a free transfer in July 2001. An even greater shock came for United fans when he was signed by Kevin Keegan for Manchester City at the start of the 2002 season, again on a free. He proved he was still a great stopper but his time at Maine Road was blighted by injury and Peter finally retired from professional football for good in May 2003
แปลเอาโลด
