Jovanovic dreams of a perfect farewell – in Budapest

A model professional, born leader, and one that pieces everything together like glue: Marija Jovanovic deserves a place among the true greats of the game.

Jovanovic has competed in top-level handball for almost 15 years, winning the EHF EURO 2012, the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, and the EHF Cup Winners’ Cup in 2006 and 2010 (both with Buducnost).

The Montenegrin legend is playing her 10th season in the Women’s EHF Champions League, and her second for the Hungarian runners-up FTC. However, despite taking part in three semi-finals, the trophy in Europe’s top competition has somehow eluded her.  

Playing for the Budapest-based team, making it to the Women’s EHF FINAL4 for the first time in FTC’s history is Jovanovic’s goal for the season.

Having already bid farewell to the Montenegrin national team last year, Jovanovic announced her retirement from handball at the end of the 2017/18.

“The time is right, and we can make it to the FINAL4”

Her performances this season have been top standard. Jovanovic has been one of FTC’s most consistent players on the way to the quarter-finals, contributing 23 goals this season.

“Regardless of my decision (to retire), I have got plenty of motive to see this season through the way we all deserve. We still have to fight for the domestic trophy, as well as the upcoming two matches against Rostov,” says Jovanovic.

As they finished the main round with the second most effective attack in the competition, FTC’s biggest test so far will be against the impressive defensive record of Rostov-Don. Both teams are fighting for their maiden Women’s EHF FINAL4 berth, which adds extra incentive to the double header.

“Rostov are a top team, and we know we must produce our best game in both matches. We have caught the wave of good form at just the right time, playing the first quarter-final leg at home, and we have a great team,” says Jovanovic.

“The season brings many challenges for us, and I feel we are now ready to tackle all of them. The people at the club were very supportive of me, since I came here injured last summer, and I want to repay the faith.

“Having settled with the team now, we know exactly what each of us is capable of. Last term we were satisfied, but there is a strong feeling that everything came together this season. We have grown and matured as a whole. I feel the time is right, and we can make it to the FINAL4.”

“A genuine love for the game”

Dreaming of a perfect farewell, at the Women’s EHF FINAL4 in Budapest, Jovanovic speaks of her motives for ending her playing career:

“Injuries have run their course, and I felt it was the right time to part with Montenegro. We have accomplished a lot, and it was time for a new chapter. I can now rest more, put full focus on my club and give my best in my final season.

“I want to retire while at my prime. I have found other things in life more satisfying and fulfilling, looking to the future, which sent a clear signal I should retire from handball.

“I have a genuine love for the game. Handball has practically been my life, for as long as I can remember. Among others, that is the reason I want to retire – while I still enjoy doing it,” said the 32-year-old sharpshooter, before mentioning her plans for the future, which prompted her to retire.  

“I could have obviously stayed for a couple more seasons, but I do not want to force myself to do it. This season has been the best ever, but also the hardest, and I feel it is the right time.

“For me, handball is love and beauty. And now I need to find the same love and beauty in other things. It may still be something I return to in several years, perhaps even as a coach. However, at this point I just want to give it a rest for a while and enjoy other things in life.

“It will be something new for me. A change. The upcoming summer will be quite strange, as the first one in many years I will not be spending on training, or thinking about the team, the fitness, etc.

“However, I give my 100 per cent into everything I do in life. Right now, and until the season is over, my thoughts are only on handball, my team, my teammates and our dream,” concludes Jovanovic.