Montpellier Handball has secured two of its most important pillars for the long term, announcing contract extensions for team captain Valentin Porte and Croatian international Zvonimir Srna at the FDI Stadium.
Valentin Porte Extends Until 2029
Valentin Porte signed a two-year extension that ties him to Montpellier until June 2029, taking his career with the club into a thirteenth season. The 36-year-old right back and captain, who joined the club in 2016 from Toulouse, admitted he took time to weigh his physical condition and competitive level before committing.
I am happy to stay until 2029 and proud to be able to last,
Porte said during a press conference reported by Montpellier Handball. I feel good physically and good in this club. At my age, I took a little time to reflect and know if I still had the level to play at Montpellier.
Club president Julien Deljarry noted that Porte’s initial evaluation centered entirely on his competitiveness and enjoyment on the floor. The first reflection of Valentin was to ask himself: ‘Am I still competitive and do I still take as much pleasure on the terrain?’
Deljarry said. From our side, we considered that this was fully the case.
Montpellier Handball recalled that Porte won the EHF Champions League in 2018 and the Coupe de France in 2025, alongside a decorated international career with France that included 198 selections, an Olympic gold medal, and a world title before concluding after the Paris Games.
Zvonimir Srna Commits Through 2031
While Porte signed a short-to-medium-term renewal, backcourt teammate Zvonimir Srna made a much longer commitment to the Hérault club. The 28-year-old Croatian international, who arrived from Zagreb in the summer of 2024 on a deal originally running through 2028, extended his contract through June 2031.
This player, who has worn the club’s colors for a year, quickly imposed himself by his willpower,
Deljarry said of the left back. It has become a framework of the locker room and the club.
Stanching the Roster Shift
The dual announcements arrive as Montpellier competes in the domestic campaign, currently sitting in fourth place in the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings with three points separating them from league leaders Paris Saint-Germain after five matches. Coach Erick Mathé, who was present at the FDI Stadium alongside Deljarry and the players, highlighted Porte’s relentless work ethic since his arrival.
Valentin is someone who is hard-working, who never lets go,
Mathé said. A large part of what he has become today, he built it through work and through this abnegation that he shows at each training session.
Montpellier Announces Contract Renewals for Porte and Srna
When did Valentin Porte join Montpellier? Porte arrived in the Hérault region in the summer of 2016 after spending eight seasons with Toulouse from 2008 to 2016.
What was Zvonimir Srna’s original contract expiration date? Srna initially signed through 2028 upon arriving from Zagreb before agreeing to the new terms that extend his stay to 2031.
Where was the contract extension announced? The club confirmed both renewals during a press conference held at the FDI Stadium in Montpellier.
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