Lonely heart Joubert seeks ice partner at Sochi

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) - Veteran French figure skater Brian Joubert has captured the hearts of thousands of women -- but he's going to need all the charm he can muster for his next potential adventure on ice.

Joubert, whose appearance in Sochi was his last in the Olympic men's figure skating competition, is mulling a switch to pairs. The only problem is, he's having trouble persuading his would-be partner to join him.

The three-time European champion and former world champion finished in 13th spot on Friday -- and said he was satisfied with how he had signed off.

"I feel very happy because even if I made some mistakes I did a very good competition and I'm very proud and I gave everything tonight on the ice," said the 29-year-old.

"And the Russian people, the crowd, was great with me during the short and the free programme and now it's another life. It was very important for me to have good memories about the Olympic Games and now it's done it's OK."

Joubert, whose every move is tracked by an ardent army of female fans, is going to do some shows with retired Russian Yevgeny Plushenko and get some rest.

But the 2007 world champion has not ruled out another shot at an Olympic medal.

"Maybe I'm going to try pairs skating. If I try it it's for the competition," he said.

"I've always worked alone so I don't know if I'm able to skate with someone else. You know, I'm not an easy guy. I'm a little bit difficult on the ice."

Joubert, who has six world championship medals, said the highlight of his career was his first European championship medal as a 17-year-old, which was his ticket to the 2002 Olympics.

So who's the mystery woman he's hoping will join him?

"I have an idea but for the moment she doesn't want, so I have to wait."