Metalurg sign Slovenian Renato Vugrinec

After battling through the qualifying stages, Metalurg Skopje have reached the Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League. And just before their first match in Chambéry, they have bolstered their squad with the signing of experienced Slovenian Renato Vugrinec. The 37-year-old is already with the team preparing for Sunday's game of Group C.

After Serbian left-hander Milan Vučičević left the club at the begining of September, the Macedonian champions have been on the lookout for another sharpshooter. Despite his age, they believe Vugrinec fits the bill.

Some people say that "there are no old and young players, just good and bad players". Guided by that motto, Metalurg decided to offer a one-year contract to right-back Renato Vugrinec from Branik Maribor.

"I've followed Metalurg and their results for some time," said Vugrinec. "My decision to come here was influenced by Miladin Kozlina with whom I am regularly in contact. But another reason why I signed for Metalurg was Lino Červar. He is one of the world's best coaches. I've always wanted to play in a team that is fighting for titles. The Champions League is a big challenge, and now I will play for the first time in the SEHA League as well," added Vugrinec, who led Maribor to Round 2 of the new EHF Cup through HB Dudelange with an impressive 18 goals (13+5) performance.

Coach Červar has been on the lookout for a player such as Slovenian veteran, who is equally good in defence as in attack.

"I hope that my experience will help Metalurg win games," added Vugrinec. "The defence is always the key to success. Metalurg play great defence, and that should allow us to score easy goals. Modern handball requires a fast game, good templates and many combinations."

Vugrinec is the third Slovenian in Metalurg after Miladin Kozlina (who is in his second season in Avtokomanda) and Tadej Matijašič, who plays for Metalurg Junior. Last season Vugrinec played for Hamburg, and then signed for Maribor. Previously he played 11 seasons for Celje Pivovarna Laško, three for Portland San Antonio, and three for SC Magdeburg. For the Slovenian national team he has played 193 matches and scored more than 600 goals.