Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic is filled with pride by the prospect of being part of the first Serbian side to compete in the European Championships.
The last appearance came in 2000 as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – and Lukic is relishing the opportunity to make his mark in a special tournament. He told the club’s official website on the eve of the opening game:
“This will be the first time for Serbia, and 24 years since the last appearance as Yugoslavia. It’s wonderful for Serbian people and it’s also great for football, because Serbia deserved to qualify for the tournament. We are really happy to represent our country at these finals. Our objectives need to be high. We have a strong group, and we need to show how strong we are, and we have a big motivation to do well. Therefore, we need to raise our level to the maximum possible, with the objective to reach the latter stages of the tournament.”
The midfielder admitted that he can’t wait for Serbia’s first game against England on Sunday.
“I can’t wait for the first game versus England. I’m here in England and know more or less the way the players perform and what they offer. I’ve played against many of them in the Premier League, so it will certainly be a good contest, for me and for all of us, so it will be a wonderful experience and we hope to give a good account of ourselves.
I’ve been here around 18 months, so it’s funny that we’ve been paired with England in the same group, and it will be a great occasion and match. I’ve played many times in the Premier League and it will be a great experience to play against an England side with many players I’ve already come up against. Playing in England for some time, and against some of the players already, can help as it will allow me to impart knowledge to the rest of the players and the team.”
