French handball legend Nikola Karabatic to retire after 2023/2024 season
39-year-old Nikola Karabatic has announced his retirement after the 2023/24 season. The history-making legend is hoping to win a fourth Olympic title with France at Paris 2024.
Handball
French handball superstar Nikola Karabatic has announced his retirement after the 2023/2024 season.
"Life sometimes gives us beautiful gifts. Like finishing something where it all began. Today, I enter my 22nd and final professional year, in the colours of Paris St. Germain, a club that means so much to me," wrote the 39-year-old in an emotional statement, posted on the PSG website on Friday (25 August).
"Nostalgia will certainly come later, but right now I'd like, above all, to live this last year with you."
The history-making legend is a three-time Olympic champion, four-time world champion, three-time European champion and three-time Champions League winner. Voted IHF World Player of the Year (2007, 2014 and 2016), he has also clinched 21 national titles with his clubs Montpellier, PSG, Kiel and Barcelona.
His announcement of saying au revoir is not a big surprise as he suffered from various injuries in recent years including a torn ACL in his right knee and phlebitis in the final stages of last season.
"You can count on me to give 200% - that's the least I can do to show you my gratitude," continued Karabatic in his letter to the PSG fans.
The French icon who will turn 40 in April of 2024 would love to go out with a bang at the Paris 2024 Games. "Having the Olympics in Paris is very, very exciting," said Karabtic.
Winning a fourth Olympic gold on home soil would be the fitting ending to a stellar career.