Peter Schmeichel, footballer - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

from 2021-10-31T11:45

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Peter Schmeichel is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the modern game. In 1999, he captained Manchester United in one of the most astonishing comebacks in football, as United won the Champions League with two goals in added time, completing a much-coveted Treble, along with the Premiership and the FA Cup. As well as winning numerous trophies during his years at Manchester United, he has played a record 129 times for Denmark, his national team. He was part of the Danish side who were surprise winners of the European Championships in 1992: Denmark were underdogs and only joined the tournament at the last minute, when Yugoslavia were forced to withdraw. During the 1990s, he was arguably the most recognised Dane in the world.

He began his football career in Denmark before fulfilling his childhood dream and signing for Manchester United in 1991. His father was a professional musician, who insisted on piano and guitar lessons for the young Peter. Goalkeeping was not his choice: as young boy, he was told to play in goal by a teacher who was thought he might be too wild for the other youngsters on the pitch.

Since retiring from the competitive game, Peter lives in Denmark but spends time travelling to see Manchester United play and he also follows his son, Kasper, who plays for Leicester City and Denmark.

DISC ONE: We Are The Champions by Queen
DISC TWO: Hymn To Freedom by Oscar Peterson
DISC THREE: Rosanna by Toto
DISC FOUR: Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits
DISC FIVE: Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
DISC SIX: Angels by Robbie Williams
DISC SEVEN: In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
DISC EIGHT: The Girl Is Mine by Michael Jackson With Paul McCartney

BOOK CHOICE: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
LUXURY ITEM: Peter’s guitar
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: The Girl Is Mine by Michael Jackson With Paul McCartney

Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Sarah Taylor

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