2016 European champion Hendrik Pekeler was officially farewelled from the national handball team in his hometown of Kiel.
“It’s an incredible honor to be able to represent your fatherland. I’m glad that I received this farewell from the DHB today,” said Pekeler over the hall microphone after the European Championship dress rehearsal against Portugal (35:31).
The current team of national coach Alfred Gislason stood in line for the THW Kiel runners after the game on Saturday. Pekeler watched the final tough test before the home European Championships in the stands before accepting gifts on the field after the game, accompanied by his three daughters, and then posing for a farewell photo with the team. “It has always been an honor and fills me with pride,” said the 32-year-old.
After the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Pekeler announced that he would take a break in the DHB jersey. For the upcoming home European Championships (January 10th to 28th), national coach Alfred Gislason wanted to bring the 32-year-old back into the national team, but the consequences of a ruptured Achilles tendon prevented the THW professional from making a comeback.
Pekeler only wants to be available in absolute emergencies and not during a tournament. His decision must be “recognized,” said Gislason on ARD. But it’s “great that he’s still willing to help us.”
Pekeler won the European Championship title with the national team in 2016 and bronze at the Summer Olympics in Rio in the same year. The defensive expert scored 210 goals in 122 international matches. Gislason initially reacted irritably to Pekeler’s resignation on Thursday and admitted a misunderstanding a day later.