Euro handball: “It’s magical” for Ludovic Fabregas

Ludovic Fabregas (pivot of the Blues, speaking to BeIN Sports after France's fourth European title): “It's a huge satisfaction, it's a competition that we haven't won for 10 years, the young generation hadn't experienced that. It's magical for French handball what's happening to us at the moment with the girls (crowned world champions in December). (On the match) We were often behind in the score but we were never too far behind. We held on, we were able to hold on like two days ago (against Sweden). We had resources. Like against Sweden, we managed to take the advantage at the right time. We assumed our responsibilities, from the guys on the pitch to the guys on the bench who gave us the tactical solutions. It’s above all a team victory.”

Samir Bellahcene (Blues goalkeeper, speaking to BeIN Sports): “It’s crazy stuff. It's a magnificent victory with the heart, one that I will remember all my life. When you look at what's happening to me, it's crazy to see everything that's happened, where I come from. (On his complicated start to the match) Thierry (Omeyer) waved to me in the stands, when it was difficult at the start. But I remembered a final he made against Denmark, and that pushed me.”

Guillaume Gille (Blues coach, speaking to TF1): “We found resources even though we were mistreated, we never gave up and we ended up finding the light in this extension which was stifling. Well done to the guys, they were fantastic. It's not important to become the first European champion player and coach, it's what these guys do that's important, the mindset they put in every day to be the best and beat all the odds. teams on land. I am so proud of the work we accomplished together during this month. When we are competitors, when we once again find ourselves facing an opponent who has outsmarted us, the desire to dominate is inevitably very strong. It’s just insane what they’ve achieved, let’s go celebrate.”

Dika Mem (back of the French team, speaking to TF1): “It was an incredible match, we were often behind but we were never too far away. We always believed in ourselves. To beat Denmark, we knew we had to be mentally strong and never lose hope. They played an exceptional game in attack and defense, but we hung on. It’s one of the titles that I missed, it’s a lot of emotion to win with this young generation and some older ones, like Niko (Karabatic). It is the victory of an entire group, of an entire country. We will have plenty of time to talk about the Olympics but we will celebrate and savor this title like never before.”

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