Cleverly leaves Vive Targi Kielce

Danish international goalkeeper, Markus Cleverly, has joined Swedish side Lugi HF. 

The move is associated with Cleverly's back injury, which he picked up during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The 31-year-old has signed a contract until the end of season.

He also picked up a hip injury in October which has seen him miss the majority of this season's VELUX EHF Champions League.

“His experience and international routine will be good for our team before the play-offs.

“I suppose it is the biggest transfer in our club’s history,” Lugi HF's coach, Tomas Axné, was quoted on the club’s website.

The goalkeeper started his professional career at Danish club Team Helsinge near his hometown of Hillerød.

Cleverly played for the club until 2003, when he joined FCK Håndbold for one season.

After his contract ended in 2004 he moved to Germany and joined TSG Oßweil on a one-year deal. 

His next club was TV Emsdetten, where he spent four years before joining KS Vive Targi Kielce in July 2009.

“I had a wonderful time in Kielce, I would like to thank my teammates and everyone connected with the club, especially the fans. They are incredible,” said Marcus Cleverly during a press conference announcing his departure.

“I talked with Bertus Servaas, but it wasn't easy. It's not just about handball, but also about my health. In Sweden, I will be closer to home.

“I hope that I can come back and play in Luigi. The last time when I was on the court was the Galeria Echo Kielce Cup 2012,” concluded Cleverly.

“We came to an agreement with Marcus. I wish him all the best,” said Kielce president, Bertus Servaas.

Cleverly was a part of the Denmark national handball team which won the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia.