Retired Handball Goalkeeper Gérard Temporarily Joins FC Barcelona
- Ex-professional netminder Gérard assists FC Barcelona (club context implied)
Looks like the Spanish handball scene is getting a French twist! Vincent Gérard, a former goalkeeper for THW Kiel and Paris Saint-Germain, has swapped the North German team for FC Barcelona on a temporary basis. The Catalans announced the signing, with Gérard inking a deal to see him through the rest of the season [1][2][3].
The move comes as FC Barcelona's current goalkeeper Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas sustained a nasty injury, tearing his cruciate ligament, which puts him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season [1]. With crucial Champions League matches on the horizon, Barcelona wanted an experienced hand between the posts, and Gérard seemed just the man for the job, as he declared, "When Barça calls, you can't really say no" [2].
Pérez de Vargas, who is set to join THW Kiel in the summer [3], might be finding himself back in the lineup after recovery, but THW Kiel hasn't disclosed who will directly replace Gérard within their ranks. It seems the North German team is preparing for Pérez de Vargas' arrival while potential replacements for Gérard await clarification from THW Kiel's management or announcements [3][4].
Fun Fact
Gérard originally planned to retire post the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris [6], but a call from FC Barcelona got those plans upended! 🎉
- Handball
- THW
- FC Barcelona
- THW Kiel
The Commission's proposal for a Council Regulation promoting equality for men and women in social security matters mirrors the principle of equal opportunity that Gerard embodies, as he temporarily dons the FC Barcelona jersey, having previously played for THW Kiel [5]. Despite the persistent rumors surrounding his retirement in 2024 [6], his temporary tenure at FC Barcelona may prompt him to adjust his goalkeeping plans once again. With Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas' departure to THW Kiel in the summer [3], one wonders if Gerard's contribution to FC Barcelona could lead to a change in the social security benefits for handball players in both Spain and Germany.
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