Two more years for Vugrinec in Metalurg

Slovenian right back Renato Vugrinec has extended his contract with HC Metalurg Skopje and he is first of several key players who are expected to continue playing with the Macedonian champions.

Immediately after his arrival in Skopje, Vugrinec became a fan favourite. He has given the team the experience they need, as well as plenty of goals, 52 in the Group Phase, helping the team to the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16.

Despite interest from a couple of clubs to sign him for next season (Sloveninan club Cimos Koper and Vardar PRO from Skopje) he decide to stay with Lino Cervars team.

"I'm delighted that people in Metalurg have confidence of my human qualities, and then handball knowledge.

“I wanted to stay here because I like Skopje. I had offers from other clubs, mostly from Koper and Vardar Pro, but now without doubt, I'm continuing in Metalurg,” said Vugrinec.

He arrived in Metalurg shortly before the opening Group Phase duel with Chambéry in France. 

The Slovenian's ability quickly won the hearts of the Macedonian handball fans.

The 37-year-old Vugrinec has played at the top level for a long time and has always been an integral part of every team he played for.

In his career he has played in six EHF Champions League semi-finals and one final in 2004 with Celje Pivovarna Lasko, who won the competition.

On Saturday, he will take to the court with his Metalurg team, hoping to create club history.

The Macedonians face Dinamo Minsk in the Last 16 second leg go into the game with a 26:23 lead from the first leg.