10.08.2007, 12:36
Eric Gull: An Argentine in Barcelona

The right back, Eric Gull, played all around the World. Now he signs for FC Barcelona and this adventure may be the highlight of his extraordinary career.

Eric Gull: An Argentine in Barcelona

Argentina is, without doubt, a football country. Barcelona and Argentina are linked by great footballers, such as Maradona or Messi. From now on, handball also links this city and the South American country. The link is Eric Gull, the first Argentine handballer in the history of F.C. Barcelona.

Handball around the World

When Barcelona called Eric, he had not doubts at all. His answer was immediately yes:

“When Enric Masip phoned me up, it was a surprise. I was close to sign with the French club, Chambery. I did not rush anything, but I was sure that I wanted to come to Barcelona. This would have been impossible me three or four years ago”.

Gull reaches the top of his career in Barcelona, after almost ten seasons playing handball all around the World. He has played in Argentina for At. Aleman, in Brazil for Santo Andre and Sao Caetano, in Sweden for Lugi Lund, in France for Selestat, in Russia for Chehovskie Medvedi and in Spain for Ademar, Valladolid and now Barcelona.

Eric was chosen Argentine Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2004, but he is not playing for his national team. The relationship with the national coach, Mauricio Torres, has deteriorated. “It is sure that I will not play for my country as long as he is on the bench”.

Meeting Cadenas again

Manuel Cadenas was already the coach of Eric Gull in 2001. It was a difficult period: Ademar Leon signed Gull but he could not play. “I arrived in Spain to substitute the injured Krivoshlykov for six months. However, there were some administrative problems and I could not play. It was a difficult situation, but I knew Cadenas and it was very important for me”.

The Argentine right back will be important part of the attacks of the Cadenas team.

“It is very difficult to defend against me, but with my stature it is also difficult for me. In fact, I work every day for get better in attack and in defence too”.

There are great expectations at the club and Gull is aware of it: “Barcelona is a great club and we must fight for all the titles in Spain and in Europe as well”.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi