European champion France
King of Cologne: Handball star Karabatic says “quiet farewell”
France’s star Nikola Karabatic (M) celebrates with the European Championship trophy. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
European handball is losing its superstar. In the summer, France’s Karabatic returns to the big sports stage for the last time.
Karabatic’s European Championship farewell ended as almost always since his national team debut in 2002 – with a title. “It doesn’t feel real. It’s just crazy,” said the Frenchman in complete disbelief after the 33:31 final thriller over world champions Denmark and spoke of “enormous emotions”. With a broad victorious smile, Karabatic lifted the golden European Championship bowl into the air, then sang along to the Marseillaise with abandon.
More than 350 international matches
No national player represents the success of the French handball players as much as Karabatic. The Équipe Tricolore has won 13 major international titles in its history – six World Cup successes, four European Championship trophies and three Olympic gold medals. Karabatic wrote 11 of these 13 success stories. Since his debut in November 2002, he has played more than 350 international matches.
National coach Guillaume Gille couldn’t help but shower the King of Cologne with praise after the European Championship title. “Nikola has an incredible winning mentality. With his many gold medals, he stands alone. The title is a huge recognition for his work and his ability to maintain this high level over all these years,” Gille told the German Press Agency.
A big goal in summer
Karabatic, who once promised himself to become “the best handball player in the world,” has won everything there is to win. His impressive career ends in the summer. “It’s a relief when you know that it’s over after that. Because as a professional athlete you’re always thinking about the next game, the next competition, you put yourself under pressure,” Karabatic said during the European Championships.
These days the Frenchman once again has hero status. “I want to celebrate first, really celebrate. Then it’s the family’s turn, then Paris and a few days of rest,” the handball oldie revealed about his schedule. After a “quiet farewell” it’s time to recharge your batteries for the final mission of your career: the Olympic Games in your own country are supposed to be the crowning achievement. “We know that we still have a big goal in the summer. France will be behind us,” announced Karabatic.
No matter how the last chapter of his career ends – Karabatic looks back with satisfaction on over two decades of handball. He doesn’t feel the pain of saying goodbye and is looking forward to more time with the family. “Handball is no longer everything to me,” said Karabatic. Then the Frenchman disappeared into the dressing room and started his last European Championship party.