Omeyer, Narcisse retire from French national team
Omeyer, Narcisse retire from French national team
Two true "dinosaurs" of French men's handball are going to retire in May following France's EHF EURO 2018 qualification matches against Norway on 3 and 6 May.
On Tuesday, goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer (356 international games) and centre back Daniel Narcisse (309) announced that they will bid farewell to the team with which they enjoyed literally every success possible in international handball.
Together they won a combined four Olympic golds, nine World Championship golds, six EHF EURO golds and six times the EHF Champions League.
Genuine @FRAHandball legends @Thierry_Omeyer & @DanielNarcisse will retire from international duty after #ehfeuro2018 qualification! pic.twitter.com/USAN9CNv8B
— EHF EURO (@EHFEURO) 21. März 2017
"I think, in my head, my decision was more or less taken, but I gave it some time just to be sure," explained 40-year-old Thierry Omeyer.
"The French team has given me a hell of a lot, it's been a huge part of my life. I could have carried on until the last EURO qualifiers in June, in fact the staff wanted me to, but I think it's time to move on now and think about the future."
The PSG goalkeeper also confirmed that the next season would very probably be his last playing handball.
Daniel Narcisse, Omeyer's roommate for many years, only missed two major competitions since 2000, the date when he made his debut match.
"I never talked to Titi (Omeyer) about it, I didn't want my decision to interfere with his. It feels like I'm jumping the ship after giving it 100 per cent at all matches," the 37-year-old said in an emotional voice.
"I've grown up and became a man with this team. I never thought I would have this career when I made my baby steps in 2000."
