When the Budućnosti handball players run out onto the field of the "Multifunctional Hall" in Bucharest on Sunday, the 30th episode in a row of the giants from Podgorica in the Champions League will officially begin.
Over the past three decades, the club from the capital of Montenegro has reached the top of Europe twice, there were unforgettable stories, but also painful ones... However, the future of Budućnost never looked so bleak as this summer - and that after the season after which it seemed that it can't be worse.
The announced big return was interrupted when the main sponsor left the club during the summer, and the stars who strengthened Buducnost were told that they are free to choose a new environment.
- All this disturbed us a lot, and I think that apart from an injury, the worst thing for a sportsman is when ten days before the start of the season they tell you that the club is shutting down, that you are free and that if you want you can look for a new one, and until that moment you were completely dreaming a different season... It was really a shock and shook us all - he says Jelena Radivojevic (earlier Despotovic) for "News".
At the last moment, the founding rights were taken over by the capital, Budućnost continues to live, but it is clear that everything left its mark on the preparations and goals for the season that starts this weekend.
- Considering the whole situation and what happened right before the start of the season, it's really hard to say what the expectations could be, and there's also the group we're in, made up of the cream of European handball. It is ungrateful to forecast anything, but no one can forbid us to fight and do our best - Jelena is clear.
Big reason I stayed
Back in November of last year, the member of the national team of Montenegro decided to return to the club with which she was the European champion in 2015, after the challenges in Debrecen, Crimea, Djer and Ferencvaros, and then this summer she had to make a decision - whether to become a free player leave the Future or stay. Although a difficult and complicated moment, the decision was easy.
- Because of beautiful things, for two years now I have not been in a situation where I only think about myself, I have a daughter and anyone who is a parent will understand that it is not very easy to pack up in just five days and go out into the world with her. Especially since my husband is also a professional athlete (Bogdan Radivojevic, handball national team player of Serbia), so we are not often together and I would have to go alone with her - explained Jelena.
He emphasizes that a good organization would be necessary to leave.
- Well, I wouldn't gamble if something didn't go right for her. She is my priority and when she is calm and safe then I can play too. And if the club shut down, I wouldn't go anywhere.
First rival - Rapid and Milena
European champion Đer, runner-up Ludvigsburg (former Bittheim), third place from the final four Esbjerg, but also Odense, Vipers, Brest and Rapid from Bucharest make up the hellish group of Buducnost in the Champions League.
The first rival on Sunday from 16:XNUMX p.m. is the representative of Romania, whose colors he defends Milena Raičević, while he is in the professional staff Igor Markovic.
- A strong team is waiting for us, when you look at their names, they are certainly favorites on paper. Yes, we will play against Milena, but also against other national team players as the season progresses... During 60 minutes, we will fight for our colors, they for theirs, and friendship returns as soon as we finish the games - Jelena emphasized.
Already in the 2nd round, Budućnost will meet Brest in Podgorica, and everyone dreams that the atmosphere in our capital will be like it used to be.
- Unfortunately, during the past few seasons, the atmosphere in Podgorica was not very great, and I think we all miss that. I believe that this city deserves to return to the old ways. We are waiting for fans and we would like to see as many of them as possible, we will really need them this season - concluded Jelena Radivojević.
Bonus video:
