The blue handball players are finishing their preparation in the Loire before Euro 2024 which begins Thursday November 28 in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. This Friday, November 22, the French women’s handball team faces Spain at the Arena Saint-Étienne Métropole (8:45 p.m.) before a second match against Angola on Sunday (7 p.m.). It is within the framework of the French Tournament, with four matches at the Arena.
Twenty players are making the trip to the Loire and among the squad, there is the local of the stage, Floriane André. She is one of three goalkeepers. She was born in Saint-Chamond and grew up there until she was 18.. Coming home to play with the national jersey is obviously special. “My parents are still there, my brothers too, so I go back from time to time, so I’m happy to go back. It’s a bit of an accomplishment, it’s come full circle. I started handball in Saint-Chamond, I come back with the blue jersey, so obviously I am very happy and also very excited to be able to participate in that. And I hope I can play and do great things.”
“I was a little lazy before”
It was at Saint-Chamond Handball Pays du Gier that Floriane André started playing handball before leaving for the junior center and becoming a professional. “I owe a lot to Saint-Chamond. That’s where I started handball. This is where I defined myself as a goalkeeper. And then I had good coaches who also allowed me to move around a little because I was a little lazy before. I am very grateful for what they gave me. Honestly, I don’t forget where I come from at all and I will be forever grateful..”
At 24 years old, Floriane André wears the colors of Brest, one of the best French clubs. The last time that the blue handball team were at the Saint-Chamond Arena for an official match was in April for a match against Latvia, won comfortably 53-9.
Senegal
