Mark Schwarzer makes history with Leicester in English Premier League

IN 24 years, nobody has achieved what Mark Schwarzer just pulled off in an overlooked chapter of sport’s greatest underdog story.

Just a number.

AUSTRALIAN Mark Schwarzer has become the first goalkeeper in the history of the English Premier League to win back-to-back titles for different clubs.

Minnows Leicester were crowned kings of English football on Tuesday morning (AEST) after Tottenham coughed up a 2-0 lead to draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It saw the former Socceroos shot-stopper complete a number of stunning records as Schwarzer becomes the league’s ultimate talisman.

The 43-year-old keeper is just the second player to win consecutive Premier League titles for rival clubs with only controversial Manchester United great Eric Cantona previously achieving the feat with Leeds and the Red Devils in 1991/1992 and 1992/1993.

He also become the oldest ever winner of an EPL title.

Schwarzer is also the first player in the history of the EPL to win consecutive leagues with different clubs without ever stepping onto the pitch.

The EPL journeyman, who has played with Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Fulham, won the league with Chelsea last season before making the shock move to Leicester as back-up keeper for rising star Kasper Schmeichel.

One of our greatest.

He was the forgotten man in Leicester’s incredible title charge, with Schmeichel delivering a perfect season between the posts — not missing one of Leicester’s 36 matches this season.

Despite never stepping on the pitch, Schmeichel said Schwarzer had been an inspiration to him as a training partner this season.

“He’s a phenomenal professional,” Schmeichel told Fox Sports’ Daniel Garb.

“You look at him, he’s 43 now, and the physical shape he’s in is incredible for someone that age. The way he trains every single day is an example to everybody.”

Schwarzer did not play an EPL game for Chelsea in its title charge, but still earned a Premier League winner’s medal.

Schwarzer was one of several Chelsea players who failed to qualify to play the minimum of five matches needed to qualify for a champion’s medal, but former boss Jose Mourinho personally paid for the Australian to be given a medal.

Schwarzer doesn’t qualify for a winner’s medal this season either, but Leicester mentor Claudio Ranieri may follow Mourinho’s touching gesture, The Sun reports.

It would be yet another fairytale chapter in modern football’s ultimate fairytale.

Leicester’s final two games — against Everton at home next weekend and Chelsea away on the final day — will now become a celebration.

Who needs Chelsea?

— with AP

Originally published as Mark Schwarzer makes history with Leicester in English Premier League