- Handball player Häfner announces career end as national player
Handballer Kai Häfner brings his national team career to an end after the Olympic Games in France. "After careful consideration, I've decided that these will be my last games with the national team. It's been over ten wonderful years with many great successes and moments that I'll never forget. I'm incredibly grateful for this time," the 35-year-old told "Sport Bild". He will continue to play for TVB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Häfner, who replaced the injured Franz Semper at the Summer Games in Paris, made his debut in the DHB jersey in 2010. His greatest achievements with the German team include winning the European Championship in 2016 and the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.
Before retiring, Häfner wants to repeat the Olympic success from Brazil. After initial wins over Sweden and Japan, Germany's handball team has good chances of reaching the quarterfinals. The goal is to win a medal.
In his announcement, Häfner expressed his gratitude for over a decade of successful representations with the German national team, which included triumphs like the European Championship win in France in 2016. Despite retiring from international play, Häfner intends to contribute to Germany's handball team in their bid for another Olympic medal in France during the ongoing Games.
