Goalkeeping record an honour, says Crystal Palace stopper Speroni
Crystal Palace legend Julian Speroni said he feels “blessed” to have made the record number of appearances for a goalkeeper at the club.
Speroni’s appearance in Palace’s 0-0 draw at Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup third round was his 389th in an Eagles jersey, having signed for the club in 2004.
The 37-year-old surpassed John Jackson’s 44-year record, and travelling Eagles fans sang Speroni’s name throughout Saturday’s clash at the Macron Stadium.
The clean sheet was the Argentine’s 108th between the Palace sticks, and he said achieving the record-breaking feat is “amazing”.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
“It’s an honour for me,” the stopper said. “I never thought I was going to get to this number back in 2004 when I signed for this club – the fact that I’m here now is just amazing.
“I’ve been blessed. I’ve said it before I’ve been blessed with the people who work at the club, with teammates, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“It was even better, [the clean sheet] made the day perfect,” he said. “Sadly we couldn’t win it late on, but we’re looking forward to the replay at home.
“It’s always a boost in confidence when the team keeps a clean sheet, not only for the back four and the goalkeeper but the whole team.
“We keep a clean sheet as a whole team and that helps us to move on to the next game, hopefully we’ll get more clean sheets and that’s what we need, that’s what our focus is on and I’m looking forward to that [next game].”
