N'Guessan declines return to international play

Timothéy N'Guessan, the left-back for FC Barcelona, has turned down an offer from new French handball team coach Talant Dujshebaev to return to international competition. N'Guessan, 34, has chosen to remain retired from national team play despite the coach's efforts to persuade him.

Coach tries to convince N'Guessan

Dujshebaev mentioned during a press conference on Tuesday that he tried to convince N'Guessan, who also serves as FC Barcelona's captain, to return to the French national team based in Créteil. The coach expressed his desire to have N'Guessan join the squad for the upcoming challenges.

N'Guessan focuses on club success

Despite his strong performance with FC Barcelona, N'Guessan has decided to concentrate on his club objectives with the European champion. A Spanish coach noted, "He is in good form, everyone knows that, but I respect his decision and I accept it."

N'Guessan's international career highlights

N'Guessan had previously announced his international retirement in October 2024 after being excluded from the list for the Paris Olympics by former coach Guillaume Gille. He has earned 115 international caps and has won major titles, including the world championship in 2017, the Olympic championship in Tokyo in 2021, and the European championship in 2024.

N'Guessan not available for new coaching cycle

As a result of his retirement, N'Guessan will not be available to strengthen the French squad as Talant Dujshebaev starts his new coaching cycle, which aims to rebuild and prepare the team for future competitions.