Aston Villa goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has been awarded an honorary MBE for his services to English football.
The ex-Manchester United number one received the award from Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Tessa Jowell at the DCMS headquarters in central London.
The 38-year-old Dane, who won five league championships, three FA Cups and the 1999 European Cup during his eight-year spell at Old Trafford, attented the ceremony with his father Tolek.
An emotional Schemichel said: "I'm very, very proud. When I first got to know about this, I thought someone was playing a joke on me. But I went everywhere on the Internet to look into what this means. It's very, very special and hard to grasp.
"I'm from a foreign country and came here to play for my dream team, and what I've won before has been as part of a team, sharing the honours between us.
"This award is from the highest place in the country as recognition of my personal contribution through football. I never thought about my contribution so this is just unbelievable."
Schmeichel's father, a well-known pianist in his own country, told how he always wanted his son to be a musician. "I'm a musician and my wish was that Peter would also be a musician," he said. "But he played football.
"Peter was very nervous before the ceremony, but it is a great day, especially for him but also for the whole family. I'm very proud. I've read in books about this British tradition and I'm sure it's a great honour for Peter. This has been a great day."
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about the contribution Schmeichel has made to the English game, culminating when he lifted the European Cup in Barcelona's Nou Camp Stadium in 1999.
The Manchester United supremo said: "Peter is a superb professional and was a fantastic loyal servant to Manchester United. Everyone at Old Trafford wishes him all the best and congratulate him on receiving his MBE."
...........................................
Fair play to him!
I would have knighted him though!!!!!
The ex-Manchester United number one received the award from Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Tessa Jowell at the DCMS headquarters in central London.
The 38-year-old Dane, who won five league championships, three FA Cups and the 1999 European Cup during his eight-year spell at Old Trafford, attented the ceremony with his father Tolek.
An emotional Schemichel said: "I'm very, very proud. When I first got to know about this, I thought someone was playing a joke on me. But I went everywhere on the Internet to look into what this means. It's very, very special and hard to grasp.
"I'm from a foreign country and came here to play for my dream team, and what I've won before has been as part of a team, sharing the honours between us.
"This award is from the highest place in the country as recognition of my personal contribution through football. I never thought about my contribution so this is just unbelievable."
Schmeichel's father, a well-known pianist in his own country, told how he always wanted his son to be a musician. "I'm a musician and my wish was that Peter would also be a musician," he said. "But he played football.
"Peter was very nervous before the ceremony, but it is a great day, especially for him but also for the whole family. I'm very proud. I've read in books about this British tradition and I'm sure it's a great honour for Peter. This has been a great day."
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about the contribution Schmeichel has made to the English game, culminating when he lifted the European Cup in Barcelona's Nou Camp Stadium in 1999.
The Manchester United supremo said: "Peter is a superb professional and was a fantastic loyal servant to Manchester United. Everyone at Old Trafford wishes him all the best and congratulate him on receiving his MBE."
...........................................
Fair play to him!
I would have knighted him though!!!!!
