The well-experienced and flexible handball icon Kentin Mahé has played his last national game. The 34-year-old explains his decision in L´Équipe.
– The reflection has been slowly taking place in my mind and with my loved ones. And I’m asking myself the question: do I want to continue leaving my family, to be far from everything, he tells the newspaper.
Mahé made his debut for ”Les Bleus” nearly 15 years ago and has won several medals including the World Championship title on home ground 2017, the Olympic triumph in Tokyo four years later and the current European gold in 2024.
– I’ve always wanted to be a major player in the decision-making process regarding the end of my career, to make it as healthy and thoughtful as possible. My example shows that it’s not easy, he continues to L´Equipe.
After 175 caps, Mahé looks forward to spending more time with his two children (aged seven and five). But there still is handball capacity to be used in the ongoing season with VfL Gummersbach and onwards.
– I’ve always told my wife that I wanted to play until I’m 38 at a higher level. For now, I feel capable of it. I have one year left, we don’t really know where the journey will take us. It would make me happy. We’re open to anything. We’re ready to embark on one last adventure, Mahé says in L´Equipe.