From replacement teacher to Ligue 1 goalkeeper: Meet the new signing of Metz, Jonathan Fischer

Goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer has taken a long way from playing part -time football in Denmark and waiting for his next placement as a replacement teacher.

Now the 23-year-old Dane is preparing for his first season in the French league with newly promoted Metz, who drew him from the Norwegian club Fredrikstad on a four-year contract.

He could be confronted with Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain later this season, which would be incomprehensible a while ago.

«Two years ago I was a part -time football player and three years ago I was a replacement teacher in Denmark,» Fischer said at his official unveiling. «So I’m not trying to think too far ahead.»

Fischer, who is 1.98 meters (6 foot 6 inches) long, impressed by Fredrikstad last season to persuade Metz to pay a reported reimbursement of 3 million euros ($ 3.5 million) for him.

Despite his impressive size – slightly larger than PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and slightly smaller than Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid – he describes himself as «quickly on the line» and «able to play from the back.»

Fischer’s first impressions of France since arrival?

«A lot of baguette. It’s good, I like it,» he said. «It is really good food here (compared) with what I am used to.»