Vucic thanks Serbia men's national water polo team for winning European gold

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday congratulated the Serbia men's national water polo team on winning the gold medal at the European championship in Belgrade, thanking the players for the joy they had brought to their country, as well as for their love for Serbia.

"Thank you for all the joy, for everything you have brought to us, for your effort, self-sacrifice, fighting spirit, for your love of your sport, but, above all, for the love for Serbia you have demonstrated always and everywhere. I congratulate you once again and I wish all the best to you and your families," Vucic said at a reception at the Presidency of Serbia.

He said he had had the honour of briefly speaking with Serbia's golden boys and that he was surprised by their performance at the competition.

"I had spoken with Uros (Stevanovic), our head coach, and I knew of all the problems they had, how many sick players we had, how many viruses, how many troubles... To be honest, I did not expect the gold medal, which makes me all the happier and prouder of their work and effort," Vucic said.

In Sunday's final at the Belgrade Arena, Serbia beat Hungary 10-7.