Captain Milena Raičević has concluded her handball career, while the esteemed national team goalkeeper, Marina Rajčić, has chosen to retire from the national team.

Moving forward, she will exclusively focus on club handball.

She bid farewell to the “Lioness” jersey in a heartfelt open letter:

“Dear fans and friends of handball in Montenegro,

With deep appreciation for the unwavering support you have shown to my national team colleagues and me over the years, and with a sense of pride in your songs, heartfelt tears, your presence, and the countless kilometers traveled, you have become a part of all our historic achievements. I feel compelled to address you openly.

I was still a minor when I first donned the jersey of the Montenegrin national team. From that moment until this European Championship, the emotions I experienced have become an integral part of my life.

Standing in the goal for Montenegro was no small feat; I was acutely aware that every area of my homeland—Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, Lješanska nahija, Morača, Nikšić, Berane, Cetinje, and Pljevlja—was watching me, and they all had one expectation.

The attention and messages I have received over the years, especially in recent days, indicate that I have met your expectations and honored the trust placed in me for nearly 15 years.

It is because I played for you that I write to you now, as I make the decision to end my national team career.

I have been privileged to participate in the joyous moments that national handball has brought to our country: Olympic silver in London, European gold in Belgrade, European bronze in Ljubljana, and a bronze medal alongside the title of best world goalkeeper in the junior competition in 2010 in South Korea.

Montenegro holds a special place in my heart, and I will represent it to the best of my ability, even when I am not wearing the national team jersey. I proudly displayed our flag when I lifted the French champion’s cup three times, and when Joka, Mika, Majda, and I claimed the championship in Turkey, along with both the Cup and the Super Cup.

I sincerely believe that by choosing to retire from the national team, I am doing my part for Montenegrin handball, as I believe that Ljubica, Anastasija, and the talented young goalkeepers like Marsenić, Kadović, and Škerović deserve the opportunity to shine.

Marina wishes to play for a few more seasons while focusing on her health and recovery, as her body has been through considerable strain. She also aims to find time to spend with her son, Tadija, who is soon turning four and increasingly yearns for his mother’s presence.

“Although my handball mission doesn’t end here, I want to extend my gratitude to coach Novak Ristović, who recognized my goalkeeping talent when I was only 14 and laid the groundwork for my future development. Our successes together at the club paved my way to the national team.

I would like to thank all the selectors I’ve had the honor to work with.

Especially, I want to highlight the time spent leading the national team under Dragan Adžić and Bojana Popović, which were some of the golden pages of my life and career in handball.

I owe immense gratitude to Vlatko Đonović, who acted as a second parent, believed in me like few others, and supported me through many significant achievements.

Wearing the Montenegrin coat of arms alongside my fellow lionesses, who are true heroines, is an honor. We have navigated through challenging moments and magical, historic ones that will live on in our memories.

Handball is embedded in all of us. For decades. For generations. The steadfast support from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, along with Predrag Bošković’s commitment as an EHF leader, presents an opportunity to strengthen our domestic league, which is crucial for future successes on the international stage.

My Montenegro,

I vow to represent you honorably on the handball courts in the coming years. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Our story does not end here. I will always be available to contribute in any way deemed best.

I will carry the hope and determination that together we can nurture new generations of lionesses, believing that our women’s handball team exemplifies true patriotism, sportsmanship, and an unwavering pursuit of our professional goals to better our society and provide our children a promising foundation for their future personal growth.

Let’s move forward together.

Even stronger, better, and more successful.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

With respect and love,

Marina Rajcic.