WAVRE, Belgium, June 9 (Reuters) - France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez paid tribute to Denmark's Peter Schmeichel on Friday, calling him the best 'keeper of the 20th century.

Barthez signed a six-year contract with Schmeichel's former club, Manchester United, last week and will face him in France's first Euro 2000 match in Bruges on Sunday.

'What can I say about Schmeichel? His record speaks for itself. He has 121 caps and he certainly is the greatest goalkeeper of the century,' Barthez said. 'He is a superstar.'

'I met him once and we get along well together. He is a nice fellow. We'll shake hands and have a few words before the kickoff.'

Barthez said he had not thought too much about leaving Monaco for England.

'The only thing I know is that there is a bakery there and nice countryside,' he joked. 'I'm also aware it rains a lot and it will be a great change from the Riviera weather.'

'But I'm not going there for the sunshine. I'm going there for the football.'