Mirsad Terzić says goodbye to the handball Dragons

(Patria) - Legendary handball player and former captain of the BiH handball team Mirsad Terzić has decided to say goodbye to the national jersey.

Terzić played for the handball Dragons for 22 years, and he first wore his favorite jersey in 2002.

The 40-year-old handball player announced his decision to retire from the national team on social media.

"Dear friends, sports enthusiasts and fans of BiH, and especially the handball team, I always knew this moment would come, but I persistently refused to think about it - the moment when I have to announce one of the hardest decisions in my handball career.

After 22 years of playing for the BiH national team, during which I experienced some exceptional, but also less pleasant experiences, the time has come when I must say that my national team career has come to an end.

I am immensely proud of my two decades of service to the national team, I even feel privileged. I wish we had all had the opportunity to celebrate much more during this period.

Some defeats were so disappointing, but giving up was never an option.

The pride that overwhelmed me when playing in front of the most passionate handball audience in Europe when the national team plays was greater and stronger than all the adversities we went through, often without the real support of the authorities and left to ourselves," Terzić stated.

He points out that he is happy to have competed in three major tournaments with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I must also say that I did not make the decision to end my national team career hastily, nor is it the result of external factors, which have certainly never been a stumbling block for me to respond to every call, regardless of whether I was injured or not, regardless of my status with any coach.

Even before the European Championship, I knew that I would play my last matches in Germany, but by delaying sharing this with the public, I thought it would be much easier for me. It's not," writes Terzić.

He especially thanked everyone who followed him and the national team.

"Finally, I would like to thank everyone who selflessly provided support to both me and the national team, my family, all well-meaning fans, numerous coaches and even more numerous teammates with whom I shared good, and less good experiences and emotions, and who are responsible for unforgettable moments and memories.

I do not consider that I have given everything to the BiH national team. I wish it all the best and many successes in the future. I will always be its frenetic fan, it will always be a part of my existence, and I will always be at its and the Association's service in any role. Thank you," added Terzić.

Mirsad Terzić played over 170 matches for the BiH national team, and he played for the teams Željezničar, Izviđač, Zagreb, Celje, and Veszprem.