Aymeric Minne joined SG Flensburg-Handewitt after winning two individual awards. The 29-year-old, playing as a playmaker for HBC Nantes, became the French league’s top scorer and was also named MVP. Our editorial team spoke with the French player after his first SG practice.
Aymeric, at 29, you’re moving abroad for the first time. That sounds like a sporting adventure…
Aymeric Minne: I see it more as the next step in my career. Of course, things change when you move to another country. But I’ve thought it all through carefully, and I’m certain that I can only continue to improve by playing in the best league in the world.
What jersey number are you wearing for the SG? What does it mean to you?
Aymeric Minne: I’m wearing number 44 now. The number four has been with me my whole life. I’ve had it since I was a little boy, and I still wear it on the French national team. That wasn’t possible at SG, since the number four has legendary status there. So I decided on a double four.
What are your first impressions of Flensburg as a city?
Aymeric Minne: I haven’t been able to see much yet. I arrived in Flensburg on Wednesday and got the key to my apartment on Thursday. The city seems compact and nice, much smaller than Nantes or Toulouse, where I’ve lived for longer. I really like the fjord, which stretches all the way to downtown. I’m sure I’ll discover a few nice spots here.
What’s your impression of the SG so far? What are the biggest differences compared to HBC Nantes?
Aymeric Minne: I’ve been following the last two seasons closely. It’s a real shame that third place in the Bundesliga wasn’t enough to qualify for the EHF Champions League. We hope things will be different next season. The teams don’t play that differently. The biggest difference for me will be that I now have new teammates. In Nantes, a core group had formed over five or six years. I knew what each player preferred on the court and what he didn’t like. To reach that level with the SG, we’ll have to train a lot now.