“How did you experience this last match?
We are happy and above all relieved, because it has been a very long season, where we have been through all the stages. We were ahead (6 points), then we lose against Nîmes at home (32-33, 28th day) and we still have to fight this evening against Aix to win and be champions… Everything was not perfect. I tried to stay focused, not to let the emotions invade me before the end because we first had to bring home the title, that’s what mattered the most. All day long, I received a lot of messages of support and thanks, which warmed my heart. I tried to bring it all down. Now, I know that the emotions will return, we will be able to celebrate and achieve.
“When I see Bercy full today for the last match, for my last match, it warms my heart. »
Did you cry?
I cry every day. (Smile.) Of course I cried. I realize that it’s over with Paris-Saint-Germain, that I will no longer play with my club, with my teammates, with Luka (his brother). It was strong. It was a real pleasure to be able to do this last season at 40, to play on all the fields in France and to have a tribute each time. Afterwards, there is perhaps still a little competition with the French team (the Olympic Games, for which he appears on the first list), so maybe this isn’t totally the end. But it’s already a big chapter that is closing and I want to savor it.
Filling Bercy, for your last match, what does that represent?
That’s just incredible. Break the spectator record for a Championship match (14,840 spectators)… I came for that too, to make handball grow, so that the affection around my sport grows, and when I see Bercy today full for the last match, for my last match, it warms my heart . I have a lot of gratitude for all the people who came to show their support and love, I don’t know how to give back, I can’t give back to them. It’s such a joy for me. »
