Brothers back to France

After ten highly successful years, the Gille brothers will leave German champions HSV Hamburg at the end of this season.

Guillaume (35) and Bertrande Gille (33) have signed long term contracts running for six years and four years respectively at the French runners-up Chambery Savoie, where they will link-up with with their younger brother Benjamin Gille.

"It was a hard decision to take," Guillaume Gille was quoted as saying in a HSV press release.

"It is not easy to switch after ten years, as Hamburg became our home. But now we are really looking forward to returning to our home country and playing with our brother. But we know what we have experienced in Hamburg and what role HSV and our fans play in our lives. We will be connected to HSV forever," said the HSV team captain, who had just been honoured for his 400th match in the Hamburg jersey.

His brother Bertrand has played 379 matches for HSV so far, and scored 1,338 goals since 2002.

"It was really hard to take this decision," the World Handball Player of the Year 2002 said. "I will enjoy the new challenge in Chambery, but until I move I will do all I can to be successful with Hamburg. HSV is always in my heart."

HSV President and club director Martin Schwalb praised the French brothers: "HSV owes them so much. They were key figures for this club after it was established in Hamburg. It is no coincidence that they are the hands down favourites of our fans, as they are totally key players."

At the start of the next season HSV fans will see the pair back again, as Hamburg and Chambery will meet each other in the season’s opening friendly match on 16 August in Hamburg.