“Stole, you are our icon”, chanted thousands of citizens gathered on Macedonia square to welcome the Vardar players.

First to address the gathered crowd was Vardar captain Stojance Stoilov. People chanted his name repeatedly. Stole, the Vardar icon, told Macedonians that the handball players are the greatest ambassadors of our country.

I say this for the second time, Skopje Vardar – European champion! These people behind me, these are the greatest ambassadors of our country. Many of them are not Macedonians, they will go to their countries and say: there was Vardar, in Macedonia. Believe me, the most beautiful part of their careers will be Vardar. Long live Vardar, long live Macedonia !, Stoilov told the crowd.