The buzz of performing for fans in pressure situations clearly still inspires Peter Schmeichel.
The Manchester United legend revolutionised goalkeeping in the 1990s, winning 10 major trophies with The Red and famously finishing his stint by captaining them to that memorable 1998/99 Champions League triumph. 'The Great Dane' is also a hero in his homeland, having been instrumental in their unlikely Euro 92 success.
But now he's embarking on a new career, having used the the Covid-19 lockdown period to live a dream. Schmeichel, 59, learnt how to play the guitar whilst confined to his home, and has since set up his own recording studio with all the essential musical equipment.
And he needs it. Because the once imposing shot stopper is preparing to tour with his band, called The Ones. As a marker of how well he's honed his skills, fellow members are full-time musicians.
“I had times where I’m sat there thinking, ‘Oof, I’m approaching 60, there’s so many things I really, really want to do. And one of the things was to play in a band," he told the Proper Football! podcast. “I’m playing with professional musicians who’ve had like a 30-year career here in Denmark."
Schmeichel has experience of such occasions though, once famously playing piano on stage with former Take That member Robbie Williams. And he revealed practice sessions are often interrupted by chat. “We talk as much as we play," he said. "I’ve got loads to stories to tell from my football career and they have from their rock ’n roll career.”
Schmeichel has stayed involved in the round ball game by working sporadically as a pundit, whilst closely following the career of son Kasper. But his passion for his former employers at Old Trafford clearly remains, following his scathing assessment after they threw away a 2-0 lead in the Europa League against Sevilla.
“A few players today need to have a look at themselves and think about whether they are contributing to the team enough," he said, on BBC Radio 5. "There are a few players who should be embarrassed with their performances.”
His mood would hardly have been improved after the second leg either, with United hammered 3-0 in Spain. But now the Dane will have to channel some of his notorious temper and charisma as he starts a new chapter of rock 'n' roll.
