The future anticipated her brilliance even when she spent more time in the hospital due to significant injuries than on the court. However, once Kristina Neagu joined the Podgorica giant in 2013, it became evident that they were a force destined to dominate Europe.

Since arriving in Montenegro, the Romanian star has avoided major injuries, delighting the crowd at “Morača” with spectacular goals and stunning plays. Two years later, everything aligned perfectly as Buducnost clinched the Champions League title for the second time, marking Neagu’s first and ultimately her only such achievement in a stellar career.

Now at 36, Neagu continues to perform at an elite level, yet everyone recognizes these months as her final bow in handball. The athlete, who was named the best handball player in the world four times, has announced that she will retire at the season’s end.

Her final club is ĆSM Bucharest, the premier team in her home country, where Neagu has been excelling in the Champions League this season.

This was especially showcased in the latest match, a city derby in the Champions League against Rapid. ĆSM delivered a commanding performance in the first playoff leg, winning 34:24 away from home, bringing them nearly into the quarterfinals. Neagu scored nine goals in that match.

– Is she really retiring? – asked the headline of “Gazete Sporturilor,” Romania’s oldest sports newspaper.

This inquiry was warranted after another brilliant outing by the legendary handball player.

– The athlete, who plays left back, has announced her retirement at the end of the season, but her performances evoke memories of her peak career – added the aforementioned publication.

In the upcoming quarterfinals, CSM, which also features our captain Đurđina Jauković, will face a much sterner challenge against Danish Esbjerg, currently home to the world’s top handball player Henny Reystad.

– The Romanian team will have a formidable answer in Cristina Neagu – noted Gazeta.

During her season as an European champion with Buducnost, Neagu was the Champions League’s top scorer with 102 goals. In her final season, she has already hit the 80-goal mark, trailing only Reystad (122) in efficiency, alongside Elizabeth Omoregi (90) and Sara Bukti (87).

– Neagu is enjoying the last few months of her pro career, striving for a perfect season. CSM Bucharest has already clinched the domestic championship title, with the Champions League quarterfinals and the Romanian Cup semifinals ahead – concluded Gazeta.

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