A chance to meet the stars up close

Hundreds of people gathered outside one of Cologne's JACK & JONES stores, eagerly awaiting the arrival of several of the players for an autograph signing on Friday. Two players from each of the teams, eight of the biggest names in handball, came out to meet their waiting fans.

The winners’ trophy was also on proud display in the store, and while the fans queued, the very excited team mascots were there to entertain and amuse the masses.

At the front of the queue were Saskia and her friend both sporting signed tops of Flensburg, last year’s winners of the VELUX EHF FINAL4. “Sadly they are not here but we are remembering their victory. We always support Flensburg,” Saskia said.

“Even though we don’t live there, we drive there as often as possible to support them in the national league, we love them even though they are not a club close to us.” The two may have to wait another year to see their favourite team in the FINAL4 again, however they are happy to be supporting Veszprem this year.

THW Kiel fan Marco turned up to see his favourite player, Dominik Klein. He believes his team can lift the trophy on Sunday as they are – in his opinion – the best handball team around.

Check more pictures from the autograph session here