Foxes Faith Inspires Schmeichel

A pillar of consistency during the three seasons since his arrival from Leeds United in 2011, Schmeichel has become a cult hero with supporters and a central figure in City’s rise to the Premier League.

And he has never forgotten the confidence everyone at the Club – its owners, its manager Nigel Pearson, its staff and its supporters – has shown in him throughout his time on Filbert Way.

Kasper told lcfc.com: “Leicester’s faith and persistence when signing me three years ago showed me their commitment from day one. The support I’ve had since then has been fantastic and I’m happy to repay that commitment now by making my own.

“The main priority during the season was to make sure we got the Club promoted. I was always confident that, with the support of the gaffer and the owners, everything else would get sorted and that has proved to be the case. I’m grateful for the faith they continue to show in me.

“I would like to thank the Leicester City fans for three great years and hopefully many more to come. Their support throughout my time here and encouragement in wanting me to stay was another big factor in my decision.

“I can’t wait to play for this Club in the Premier League and I’m sure we’ll do well under the gaffer’s leadership. I’m going to enjoy the break now things are sorted, then come back refreshed and ready for the challenge ahead.”

Schmeichel has made 156 appearances for City in the last three seasons and has yet to miss a league game since his debut at Coventry City in August 2011.

The memorable saves – often eye-catching and regularly critical – have been countless, but tell only part of the story of a player truly dedicated to his craft. Schmeichel’s skills of organisation, motivation, match management and leadership are the traits of a studious footballing brain. According to stats compiled by Opta, he was one of only two goalkeepers in the Championship to register an assist last season and the only one to register an attempt at goal.

His consistency predictably led to several opportunities this summer for a player increasingly establishing himself on the international stage, but Schmeichel was not ready to give up being a Fox.

“I won’t hide that there have been other opportunities for me, but this felt like the natural choice and the right choice,” he said.

“We’ve got a great manager and a great squad that I wanted to continue to be a part of.

“From day one, I’ve always enjoyed playing for Leicester and it’s felt like home since the day I arrived so it always felt like the natural decision once we’d achieved our objective of reaching the Premier League. It’s a special group that I’m proud to be part of and I wanted to remain part of it because we have a great future ahead of us.

“It’s a big task ahead, but with the management team we’ve got and the squad already here plus a few new signings, we’ll have a great chance of having a great season in the Premier League.”

#SchmeichelLCFC