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XL-sized goodbye for Gensheimer, superstar

The touching farewell for handball legend Uwe Gensheimer (37), who played for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen for 18 years, was held after their final home game of the season against SC Magdeburg. The event was filled with goosebumps, and he will now work as the head of sports for his favorite club in...

SymClub
May 31, 2024
2 min read
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Touching farewell: Andy Schmid hugs his long-time teammate and friend Uwe Gensheimer
Touching farewell: Andy Schmid hugs his long-time teammate and friend Uwe Gensheimer

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Experience chills with Andy Schmid and his team. - XL-sized goodbye for Gensheimer, superstar

Following the game's completion, emotions ran high for the outstanding left winger. His teammate for many years, Mikael Appelgren (34), provided consolation for him as each athlete bid their farewell.

Emotional: Even Magdeburg's coach Bennet Wiegert (42) couldn't resist and embraced the DHB star.

The final goal was scored by the Magdeburg Gensheimers; they no longer defended that point. At 59:09, the match referee paused the clock. The athletes of both teams applauded for the DHB star and his exceptional career, and the game was not continued. This moment belonged to Gensheimer exclusively!

The Rhein-Neckar Löwen didn't want to be outdone and prepared a memorable farewell. On the video wall, some of the legends' most memorable goals featured, along with messages from Kim Ekdahl du Rietz (34), Nikolaj Jacobsen (52), Steffen Weinhold (37), Nikola (40) and Luka Karabatic (36), Michael Müller (39), Marius Steinhauser (31), Kai Häfner (34) and Silvio Heinevetter (39), Thierry Omeyer (47), Stefan Kretzschmar (51), Martin Strobel (37), Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson (44) and Frank Bohmann (59).

Jennifer Kettemann (42), the club's Managing Director, delivered a short speech, stating, "You are the face of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, no one has affected our club like you have." Gensheimer's jersey number 3 was hoisted to the ceiling.

A notable moment occurred when Andy Schmid (40), a former Löwen player, appeared. "I would say that you have inspired thousands of children with your playing style, and you have inspired me with your playing style. I could now say that you were probably the most handsome German handball player. But the audience already knows that, so I brought you a few things that Uwe could describe a bit," the long-time Swiss playmaker said.

From a bag, Schmid retrieved several plush toys and explained his choices: "This is a camel. A camel is thirsty, and you've always been thirsty. This is a dragon. A dragon can breathe fire. And so, I felt when I sat in the sauna with you and you turned the bathtub into a sauna. That's the sloth. I've seen you in the gym from time to time." The entire SAP Arena erupted in laughter.

Gensheimer added, grinning, "We were actually in a training group."

Schmid continued with "The zebra, I have to think: Why did I pick the zebra again? Oh, you signed with THW Kiel, but you chose to stay here." Deafening applause!

The Swiss legend concluded his speech, "And that's the lion. You have transformed this hall like no other. You have transformed me. You took me by the arm when I had issues here at the start. The Löwen can be assured that you will continue to be part of their team management. You'll make the right decisions. Just like you always have on the field." And it wasn't just Gensheimer with tears in his eyes...

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