KOROMAN: STUDENTS HAVE STARTED A STORY THAT WILL NOT STOP IN SERBIA

Ognjen Koroman, the celebrated Serbian football player and former captain of Red Star Belgrade, who was born in Pale, recently spoke to SeeSrpska about his hometown, athletes, and the current state of affairs in Serbian society.

In addition to representing Serbia and Red Star Belgrade, Koroman had a distinguished career with several Serbian top-flight clubs, English side Portsmouth, and Russian elite clubs such as Dynamo Moscow, Terek, and Krylia Sovetov from Samara. After retiring from his playing career, Koroman transitioned into coaching and obtained the UEFA Pro license.

How often do you visit the Republic of Srpska?

"Christmas, Easter, and our patron saint's day – Đurđevdan – that’s when I come. So, not often."

Can you imagine returning to live in Pale?

"No. There’s an old saying – a smart person lives where it's nice, and a fool lives where they were born." (Laughs)

What do you tell your friends who aren’t from the Republic of Srpska about our country? What do you recommend they visit or try?

"There are beautiful destinations. I love the mountains. There are many lovely mountains and natural resources that they can visit, and I definitely recommend them."

Are successful athletes the best ambassadors for both the Republic of Srpska and Serbia?

"Of course, no one else. Who has heard of anyone other than those from our world of sports on the global stage? I believe athletes are the best ambassadors for any country."

You have always given credit to those most deserving for the creation of the Republic of Srpska – soldiers and the people, while often criticizing the government. Why?

"Absolutely. The Republic of Srpska was created by the Serbian peasants and hosts. They left it to us to protect. Not by paramilitary units or nonsense. Not by individuals. Only the people, I repeat, the Serbian hosts created the Republic of Srpska. The politicians who lead our Republic are only interested in protecting their own money and talking about some sort of attacks on the Republic of Srpska. Trust me, they are protecting themselves, not their people."

Do you support the students in Serbia?

"Only a fool or someone who benefits from the state would support the authorities in Serbia today. The students have started a story that will not stop only in Serbia; it’s coming for other republics in the region too. Support for students is a must because that is the only right thing to do."