New Start in Russia and Return to Austria

Line player Simona Spiridon is returning to the Austrian National Team in March for the hot EHF EURO qualification duels against group favourite Sweden.

After her knee injury and operation last summer, Spiridon started to play for Russia´s Zvezda Zvenigorod in December and her new side just advanced to the Best 8 in the EHF Cup after a home victory over former EHF Champions League team Randers HK.

In an exclusive interview with ehf-euro.com the 32-year-old pivot talks about her new life in Russia, the upcoming challenges in the EHF EURO, and her best moments in the red and white jersey.

ehf-euro.com: In October 2011, you started your Russian career with Zvezda Zvenigorod. How do you enjoy the new country?

Simona Spiridon: I´m very glad that I decided on the move to Zvenigorod. Russia is an extremely cold country weather-wise (this morning we had minus 34!), but the nation and its people are very warm.

I´m also very attracted to the Russian national anthem. At the World and EHF EURO events I´ve never missed it, as my National Team colleagues know!

Before I moved to Hungary, I never thought I´d stay at Győr for five years, and then I never thought Russia would follow as my next handball destination. 

ehf-euro.com: You´ve had a knee injury for several months and were unable to enter the handball court. How are things now?

Simona Spiridon: At the moment it looks ok, but I didn’t think the comeback would be that tough...

ehf-euro.com: You´re just about to return to the Austrian National Team in March. Are you happy to be back in Austria and playing again in the red and white jersey?

Simona Spiridon: Indeed I´m very happy about the return. It´s always a great feeling to play for the NT and I´ve usually performed quite well in those games. Now I´m counting the days...

ehf-euro.com: A two-match duel against Sweden is upcoming at the EHF EURO qualifications. What are your expectations against the toughest group opponent, do you think Austria still have chances to secure a spot for the continental event?

Simona Spiridon: I think it´ll be a big challenge for my team, but we will give our utmost. As the slogan says, the ball is round and one never knows what will happen. 

There are two options: either we advance to the EHF EURO or we watch it on telly. I´d prefer the first option!

ehf-euro.com: What does the Austrian National Team mean to you?

Simona Spiridon: Every professional player in sports aims to play at least once for his/her National Team. In Romania, where I grew up, every sportsman aimed to hear the national anthem before a match with him/her on the court. 

During my career I was performing for two National Teams, Romania and Austria, and for both I gave my very best in the handball arenas.

I still sing both national anthems, the Austrian and the Romanian. It doesn´t matter where or which sport it’s for. 

Austria is my chosen country and when I’ve finished with professional handball, I will return and start building my career after sport.

ehf-euro.com: Concerning the National Team, what was your sweetest moment in the red and white jersey? 

Simona Spiridon: That has to be the World Championship in China in 2009. There, we played one of our best tournaments. Each game was very special, but our little nation was unlucky not to advance to the semi-finals. I still dream about that world event, it was just amazing!

ehf-euro.com: What are your plans for the future, both personally, and in handball?

Simona Spiridon: My contract is valid till the summer in Russia, so during the next few months I want to give my best for Zvezda and in the EHF EURO qualification matches for Austria. I don´t know what will follow afterwards, as it will all depend on my health.

Further Information

Find more information on the Women's EHF EURO 2012 Qualification HERE.

View more detailed information on the event on the Official EHF EURO 2012 Website.
www.ehf-euro.com/NED2012/

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