Renowned handball player Johannes Bitter is concluding his distinguished professional journey.
The last active member from the 2007 World Championship-winning team is calling it quits: Johannes Bitter, the hero goalkeeper who shone in the final match against Poland, is pulling the curtain down on his 26-year professional handball career at the age of 42. His club, HSV Hamburg, made the announcement following the return to action of goalkeepers Robin Haug and Mohamed El-Tayar from their injuries.
Bitter acknowledged the bittersweet feeling of the day, even after having time to prepare. "It's a challenging moment for me, but then again, it's different now that it's happening," he said. Bitter won't be around to step in as a replacement in the future, and HSV Hamburg has plans to bring in Finn Knaack as their third goalkeeper.
Bitter's last game was the DHB Pokal match against record champions THW Kiel on the 27th of the month, which ended in a 27-30 loss. He will be officially honored by his club at the last home game of the year, just before Christmas, and will take part in the squad for one last time.
"Jogi" Bitter has no intention of leaving his involvement with the club. With his current role as vice-president of HSV Hamburg, he has already played a part in winning the German championship in 2011 and the Champions League in 2013. "It was an incredible journey. I've experienced so much joy and learned immense life lessons. Handball has molded me into who I am," said Bitter, who represented HSV Hamburg 650 times in the Bundesliga and the national team 175 times.
Bitter isn't alone in his retirement. Just a day prior, Paul Drux, the captain of Füchse Berlin, had to draw a line under his career due to a persistent knee injury at the tender age of 29. The unfortunate backcourt player and committed national team member has been forced to call it quits.
Sports have been a significant part of Bitter's life for many years. He represented HSV Hamburg 650 times in the Bundesliga and the national team 175 times, showcasing his prowess in handball.
The retirement of Johannes Bitter and Paul Drux has left a notable void in the world of sports, particularly in handball.
