Brills, who has 359 caps to his name, won the gold with the Red Lions at the last Olympics. In 2018, he also helped the Lions win the world title, followed a year later by the European title. He also won the last edition of Hockey Pro League with the national team.
The symbol of the national team was present at the games in Beijing (2008, ninth place), London (2012, fifth place), Rio de Janeiro (2016, second place) and Tokyo (2020, first place). Brills has worn the captain’s armband for years. In previous games, the Dutch orange-red player was appointed as a reserve, but in the end he made a significant contribution to the Olympic title.
“Saying goodbye is never easy, but it is a part of life. After 15 years and 359 caps, I have decided to retire from the Red Lions as an Olympic champion.” “To my teammates, dear friends: I was heartbroken when I was in the locker room with you for the last time on Monday. (…]We made history together and created memories. You were always in my heart.”
Brills also thanked his family, loved ones, supporters, “staff and everyone behind the scenes”.
“Reader. Unapologetic web fanatic. Student. Beer buff. Social media scholar. Alcohol advocate.”
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