KASPER SCHMEICHEL has completed his shock move to Nice.
Leicester City – where the keeper spent more than a decade – confirmed the transfer on Twitter.
In a lengthy and heartfelt tribute on the club website, they posted: “After 11 years with Leicester, Kasper Schmeichel has joined Nice, ending his incredible spell with the Foxes.”
Schmeichel, 35, son of Manchester United legend Peter, has signed a three-year deal with the French side.
The Dane stopper joined Leicester in 2011 following one season at Leeds.
And he has since become a club legend, with 478 appearances, famously helping the club lift the Premier League title in 2016.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The Dane was vice-captain of that side and then took over the armband after Wes Morgan retired, going on to lift the FA Cup in 2021.
Following the news of his departure, manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to confirm they will not sign a replacement.
Leicester Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says club legend Kasper Schmeichel will always remain part of the Foxes family.
“Kasper has always been a player willing to stand up and take responsibility, leading the team with distinction.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“His influence and his leadership on and off the pitch speak volumes about him as a professional, as a football player and as a human being.
“I know Leicester City supporters share the respect we all have for a player of Kasper’s standing after all his accomplishments as a footballer and captain and will join me in wishing him the very best for the next stage of his career in France with OGC Nice.
“It’s clear to everyone who has watched him perform that Kasper has given everything to Leicester City every time he has played. He will always remain a part of this family.”
It leaves Danny Ward primed to step up in absence of Schmeichel.
Rodgers said: “Danny Ward is an exceptional keeper. I’ve always said we’ve got a number one keeper there.
“He’s had some issues around his knee but that looks to be behind him now, he’s been training well.
“He’s looked good. If Kasper is to go, he’s a big possibility for us.
“Daniel Iversen has been out on loan and shown he’s a very competent goalkeeper.
Read More on The Sun
“At 25 years of age, he’s got experience, so he’s here. I think we would still need to bring in another one as a back-up. I’d be happy with that.
“I worked with Danny and I knew his talent from Liverpool. He’s been really unfortunate here in that Kasper has never been injured.
“He’s been a really loyal and supportive number two.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
