(INTERVIEW) Gašper Marguč: He thought he would stay abroad, then an offer came that he couldn't refuse

Gašper Marguč, one of Slovenia's most experienced handball players, has returned to Celje after spending twelve seasons with Veszprém in Hungary. The move comes after he initially believed he would remain abroad, but a proposal he could not refuse brought him back to his starting club. Marguč plans to stay with Celje for at least two seasons, potentially longer if everything goes according to his expectations. Marguč made his debut in Celje years ago and now returns as a seasoned player with extensive experience in European leagues and major tournaments. His return is not just symbolic; he intends to play actively, take responsibility, and contribute directly to Celje’s performance on the court rather than merely serving as a mentor figure. The decision to return to Celje follows a period of reflection and evaluation. Marguč had considered continuing his career overseas, where he gained valuable experience competing in top-tier leagues and international competitions. However, the opportunity to join Celje presented itself in a way that he felt compelled to accept, despite his initial assumption that he might stay abroad. Upon rejoining Celje, Marguč described the feeling of stepping back into the team’s locker room as both emotional and professional. He emphasized the importance of being part of a familiar environment while bringing new insights and energy to the squad. Though he acknowledges that his role within the team may have evolved compared to earlier stages of his career, he still aims to play an active part in matches and training sessions. Celje currently competes in the EHF Champions League, which holds special significance for Marguč. Having played in such high-level competitions before, he understands the challenges and opportunities they present. His presence is expected to bolster the team’s chances in domestic and continental competitions alike. After twelve years in Veszprém, Marguč has completed a chapter of his career that saw him grow both personally and professionally. Reflecting on this time, he noted the many experiences gained through competition, leadership roles, and personal development. Now, he looks forward to applying these lessons in a different setting, this time closer to home. The final season with Veszprém was marked by disappointment, particularly due to their loss in the Champions League final in 2016. While this memory still lingers, Marguč has moved past it, focusing instead on the positive aspects of his career and future goals. He views this setback as part of a broader journey rather than a defining moment that continues to haunt him. On the national level, Marguč has represented Slovenia throughout his career, achieving notable success. However, he has not ruled out further contributions to the national team, though his current focus is primarily on club football. Whether his involvement with the Slovenian national side will continue depends largely on how his club career progresses and the demands placed upon him. As the new season approaches, attention turns to how Marguč will integrate into the Celje setup. Coaches and teammates expect him to provide guidance while maintaining his competitive edge. His ability to balance these dual roles will be crucial for both his personal satisfaction and the team’s overall performance. The return of Gašper Marguč marks a significant shift for Celje, who now have a veteran player with a wealth of experience joining their ranks. With his commitment to playing and mentoring, the club hopes to build on recent progress and achieve greater success in the coming seasons.