Schmeichel Loves The United Family

Peter Schmeichel says remaining part of Manchester United as an ambassador is the perfect way to continue his association with football and the club he adores.

The former goalkeeper, who celebrates his 50th birthday on Monday, is one of a handful of ex-players who represent the club in an official ambassadorial capacity at various partner events in Manchester and across the world. And at a recent event for principle sponsors Aon, the Dane explained how much he cherishes the role.

“It’s been over 14 years since I left as a player but United have always been in my heart and always will be,” he explained. “I’ve been back many times, popping into the Aon Training Complex and watching games at Old Trafford, but there is a purpose to me being here now and it’s something I really enjoy.

“The club has got even bigger than I ever imagined it could be. When I first arrived [in 1991] it was a big club in England and across the world, but it wasn’t the huge institution it is today. It’s quite incredible to see how big it has become. I see that first hand in my role as an ambassador at various events for partners such as Aon.

"So many people know the club and the players, but they don’t just know about the likes of Rooney and van Persie, they know everything about the club, even the very smallest of details. When you travel to events for the club in say, Vietnam, there can be 500 to 1,000 people waiting for you at the airport or the event you’re attending. I don’t think any other club in the world has that kind of power.”