WHEN ALASTAIR METPETER…
Alastair Campbell: I learned a lot reading your book. I learned your real name is not Peter, but the Polish version. I learned you play the drums, guitar, and you’ve got a recording studio. Peter Schmeichel: Not anymore. I did, in my time at Manchester United. It was brilliant because it took me away for hours at an end. Especially after the game when you’ve got so much adrenaline rushing through your system and it’s very difficult to rest. So that was brilliant to have.
AC: Another thing that I never expected to see in a footballer’s book, is this sentence: “I loved Milton Keynes.” What is that about?
PS: Growing up, I was in love with England, in love with the football, in love with everything English. So, when I was in school, we had an exchange trip organised to Milton Keynes. I stayed with this family, who to my big regret I never had contact with again.
AC: We have to find them.
PS: That would be great. Mind you, we have to be careful. Right before the1999 Champions League final, because it was going to be my last game for Manchester United, the media in Denmark did loads of stories on me and my background. They sent me the tape and there is this guy on there, “Schmeichel’s school teacher,” and I’m thinking: “I don’t know this guy!” He was never my schoolteacher. I had talked before about one specific schoolteacher who kind of got my life back on track because he paid an interest in my football. That guy was brilliant for me – unfortunately he passed away before the Champions League final. But this other guy was sat there pretending!
So, talking of the Champions League. I was at that game, in Barcelona, and I remember all the craziness about it. But Kasper and Teddy Sheringham’s son Charlie both got into the dressing rooms afterwards.
