Long-time national player Patrick Wiencek was bid farewell after the World Cup qualifier of the German handball team against the Faroe Islands (34:26).
The German Handball Federation (DHB) paid tribute to its former defense chief on Wednesday evening with a personal video and thanked him for his 159 international appearances (316 goals).
At the beginning of March, Wiencek, who hugged every player again, announced the end of his career in the DHB team after more than twelve years. The line runner will continue to play for THW Kiel.
Wiencek was a constant in the German team until the very end. His greatest successes were Olympic bronze in Rio 2016 and fourth place at the 2019 home World Championships.
“I always wore the jersey with pride”
“I’ve always worn the jersey with pride. I had great years, but unfortunately never won a title. Olympic bronze will always remain in my heart,” said Wiencek, who received a bouquet of flowers and much applause from the Kiel audience as a farewell.
Wiencek made his debut for the DHB selection on December 1, 2009 under the then national coach Heiner Brand. In 2015, he led the DHB team onto the pitch for the European Championship qualifier in Kiel.
Most recently, the 33-year-old father worked for the German team at the European Championships in Slovakia in January.