From one of the best clubs in Europe to the French second division.
Here is the funny route taken by Vincent Gérard, the former number one goalkeeper of the French handball team.
Having just recovered from his pubalgia, the 37-year-old player was not retained by Kiel (Germany).
As announced by L'Équipe this Wednesday February 14, he signed up for Istres in the hope of playing again before the Paris Games this summer.
In an interview with the sports daily, the goalkeeper expressed his intentions: “The goal is to play a lot, to regain a lot of rhythm.
» Having already passed through Istres in his youth, between 2008 and 2010, Vincent Gérard no longer had visibility after the announcement of his departure from Kiel.
“In my head, I wasn't ready to not play, it wasn't something I could imagine.
My goal remains to make the Olympics in Paris.
»
🆕✍️ 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘂 𝗜𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀 🟣⚪️
The IPHB is proud to announce the return of French international goalkeeper Vincent Gérard for the next 5 months 🔥#istresterredehandball pic.twitter.com/A0mAnqFHAn rR
— Istres Provence Handball (@IstresHB) February 14, 2024
The Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo in 2021 is not expected to continue his career at the end of the season.
He has made Paris 2024 his ultimate goal, and for that, he must earn the minutes at the club in order to find optimal form.
Engaged with the Germans since the start of the season, he did not take part in any official match due to his pubalgia, for which he was operated on in mid-September.
Read alsoEuro 2024 handball: after the Blues celebration, the selection puzzle for the Paris Olympics
The goalkeeper notably missed the European Championship in Germany, won by France on January 28.
Crowned against Denmark (33-31 after extra time), the Blues won with Samir Bellahcene as the starter in goal.
The 28-year-old scored points during this tournament.
To take part in the French adventure at the Games, Vincent Gérard knows, he must get back into “match rhythm”.