Former French national team member, current Celje player, a man who has won many accolades including European and World Championship gold medals with France - Igor Anic, had a chat with the SEHA media team and revealed many interesting details from both his sporting and personal life. 

In front of SEHA cameras Igor has told us a lot about himself, his family and his career- all for the second TV magazine of the season. The part we haven't told you about in television minutes is up next. 

Anic was born in Mostar, but his family moved to France when he was a child. His father pursued his playing career there, later becoming a coach as well. Igor started playing handball at 16, in a handball academy in Montpellier. "That academy is one of the best, if not the best one in France. It produced a lot of players like Nikola Karabatic, Guigou, and younger ones like Rubio..."After France, Igor continued his handball journey in the German Bundesliga. He spent 5 years there, firstly in Kiel and then in Gummersbach. "I had an opportunity to stay in France, but I was offered a 7 day trial in Kiel. They were pleased with me, so I signed a 3-year contract and stayed there until it expired. Afterwards I was in Gummersbach for 2 years , or Gumerzbic how we called it, because of a number of people from home. We were always together, hanging out non-stop."

His desire to wear the 'Tricolori' national jersey brought him back to where he started. "My wish was to play for France and compete at the European and World Championships. Every professional athlete wants to represent his home country." His wish came true while he was playing at Cesson in France. "It was my second season there and I played very well. I was the best pivotman in the league and got a chance to play for the national team at the European and World Championship." Igor's favorite match came in the French national team colors. "The first one at the European Championship. A teammate got injured, so I had a chance to show myself and I took advantage of it, helping my team. We ended up winning as well. That's what's so special to me; it was a really important match and I played in it. I wasn't on the bench, I didn't come in for the last few minutes just to stand around and wave. I had a real influence on the final score and contributed towards the win. It's an extraordinary feeling."

After Cesson, Anic stayed in France to play for Nantes, only to come back to Kiel after Patrik Vincek got injured. "I spent a year there, got back to France for a year and then completed the season at Saran." Speaking about the last season in Saran Loiret, this 6 foot 5 pivotman hinted that it might have been the best one in his career. "I wasn't even sure where that city was, until I looked it up on the map. It's a really small town, and not so big of a club. They climbed from the Third to the First Division in 2 seasons. It's a real honor to say I helped such a small club achieve their goal of staying in the league. This season they are still in Division 1, but I left after I felt my job was done."

Igor's current team are Celje - reigning Slovenian champions. He especially likes the atmosphere and the surroundings in this small Slovenian town. "I think Celje is a perfect fit for me, it's not such a big town, there's not that many people, it's not mad. I quite enjoy the peace and tranquility."

Apart from living in various places and meeting different cultures, Anic worked with some excellent coaches that contributed to both his sporting and personal development. He especially remembers the time he spent with his teammates with some of them becoming his close friends. "Apart from winning titles, building friendships is something I always strive for. Once a career is finished, frienships remain. Those things are special to me."

Besides having a successful handball career since he was 16, Igor's everyday life is filled with art. Ranging from caricature drawing, to tattoos and filming his private life as 'vlogs'. He has shown great interest in drawing since he was a child and his parents kept all of his childhood drawings. Igor intends to do the same thing with his two sons. "I'm glad my parents gave me more than just genetics, but also showing me some habits that matter to me. Those kind of memories are simply priceless, you can't put a price tag on it."

While he is still very much an active handball player, this all-around athlete is considering his future and life after his career is over. One thing's for sure, he doesn't want to be a coach. "I always thought of myself as a creative person and a creative soul. I think I'll definitely do something creative. Whether it's going to be something related to filming videos, drawing, design or business, I'm still not sure."

One thing's for sure; we'll see a lot of Igor Anic in Celje and get to enjoy his game and excellent displays on the court.

Interview with Igor Anic also available in our 2nd TV Magazine: