Aluševski retires after 21 years of service

The oldest player in the FYR Macedonia national team, Stevče Aluševski, has brought an end to his career after 21 years.

His last professional game was against Portugal in the final round of EHF EURO 2014 qualification and he bowed out successfully, with a 26:19 victory to secure his nation a place at in Denmark.

The 40–year-old has announced his retirement on several occasions, only to come back again at the request of head coaches, but this time his farewell is certain.

"The decision to retire came about last year. I knew this would be my last season as a player, and I prepared for what is to come after I finish my career.

"Maybe I could play longer, but I think this is too much. At 40 years, I'm unable to fend off the younger players. I know this is the right decision," said Aluševski.

Trophy-laden career

The Macedonian has played more than 230 international matches and scored over 1,000 goals, he has competed in almost all major competitions, with the exception of the 2013 World Championship in Spain, when he was not selected.

In club competition, Aluševski has won 13 domestic league titles with Pelister Bitola, Vardar Skopje and HC Metalurg Skopje, as well as 10 cup competitions.

This season he reached the quarter-finals of the VELUX EHF Champions League with HC Metalurg.

"Perhaps my only regret is that I missed the chance to play abroad. I had offers from Austria and Croatia, but stayed at home.

"I remember a lot of matches, but some memories stick out, like the match with Croatia in 1997, when we managed to qualify for our first EHF EURO, then the victories against Poland and Russia at the 2009 World Championship.

"At club level, my dearest games were when I played for Vardar against Kiel in the Champions League and this entire season with Metalurg"

After announcing he would retire, one of the biggest surprises was the great applause from Vardar fans at the last match. Although Aluševski has spent three seasons playing for Metalurg, Vardar fans have not forgotten what he contributed to the club.