Füchse Berlin Captain Max Darj Says He Wanted to Stay After Club's Departure Decision

Füchse Berlin announced just hours before their Handball-Bundesliga home match against HSG Wetzlar that they will not pull the extension clause in captain Max Darj's contract, which runs until summer 2027. The 35-year-old Swede will therefore leave the club at the end of that season. Darj said he had already known for several weeks, so the public announcement did not affect his performance on the night — Füchse won 36:30.

Speaking after the victory, Darj was candid about his initial reaction to the news. "Disappointed and sad," he said, describing the moment the club told him. "I wanted to continue, no question. That was my wish." Nevertheless, he accepted the decision: "That is our work. I have learned that in this business."

CEO Bob Hanning described the move as "a decision for the future," saying the club needed changes to reach its goals in the coming years. As for who might fill Darj's role, Hanning hinted at a possible internal solution, noting that youth development is "non-negotiable" for him. "There could be a situation — a decision for the DNA of the club," he said, adding that the club's plans would become public soon.

Darj himself has not ruled out continuing to play. Whether that means staying in the Bundesliga, moving abroad, or returning to Sweden remains open. "We will sort that out in a small group — with my wife and me," he said.