29.01.2014, 11:27
Wilczynski bids farewell to Austrian national team

NEWS REPORT: 31-year-old left wing took to the court 136 times, scoring 578 goals along the way

Wilczynski bids farewell to Austrian national team

A few days out of the EHF EURO 2014 one of Austria's most experienced internationals, Konrad Wilczynski, has waved good-bye to the national team.

Wilczynsni had put on the Austrian jersey 136 times and scored 578 international career goals which make him one of the Top 5 shooters in Austrian handball history.

At the EHF EURO 2014, when Austria reached the main round, the penalty specialist scored 17 times, with 13 goals coming from penalties.

"I have always been proud when I wore the Austrian jersey. I think it's the right time to put an end to my international career," Wilczynski said.

"I have a double function with (Vienna club) Westwien (Wilczynski still plays for the club and is also its manager), which takes up 100 per cent of my time. And there are many young players already in the starting blocks.

"In the future I will try and support the national team on many levels as I think that a good national team is the basis for successful handball in Austria."

Austria's head coach Patrekur Johannesson fully supports Wilczynski's decision.

"It's always sad when a player like him stops playing, but every player, of course, is allowed to quit when they feel they can't continue anymore.

"Conny is very good at handball and it was important to have him on the team - on court and off court. He is teamplayer, I like him also off court, because he gives everything he has for the team."

TEXT: ÖHB / EHF / ts