Soccer-Nice sign Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel from Leicester

LEICESTER: Nice have signed Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from Leicester City, both clubs said on Wednesday.

The French Ligue 1 side did not disclose the duration of the contract or financial details of the transfer for the 35-year-old. Reports in British media said Schmeichel has signed a three-year deal with Nice, who had reportedly agreed to pay Leicester 1 million pounds ($1.21 million) for the player.

"OGC Nice is delighted with the arrival of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-finalist," Nice said in a statement. Schmeichel, who joined Leicester in 2011 from Leeds United, helped them to the 2015-16 Premier League title, as well as their maiden FA Cup win in 2021.

Following 479 games played for the Foxes during 11 seasons, he sits third in Leicester's all-time appearance list. He made his international debut in a 3-0 friendly win over Macedonia in 2013 and has been capped by 2020 Euro semi-finalists Denmark more than 80 times.

"After 11 incredible seasons, I've made the difficult decision to leave Leicester," Schmeichel wrote on Twitter. "It's been more than just a club to me, it's been a place where I've made lifelong friends and memories - it has been my home."

After 11 incredible seasons, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave Leicester.

It’s been more than just a club to me, it’s been a place where I’ve made lifelong friends and memories - it has been my home.

I wanted to share some of my favourite memories with you all.

— Kasper Schmeichel (@kschmeichel1) August 3, 2022

He then went on to share some of his favourite memories with the club, as he posted pictures in which he is seen celebrating promotion to the Premier League in 2014, as well as the league title won two years later, among others. "11 seasons… made so special by the people behind the scenes, those on the pitch alongside me and by the fans," former Leicester captain added.

"Your support has been amazing and I’m very grateful to each and everyone of you." The Denmark international has become Nice's third arrival this week after they announced Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer on Monday, and defender Mattia from Serie A side Empoli earlier on Wednesday.