AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic
(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

FYR of Macedonia veteran Vlado Ilievski announced his international retirement following his side’s 61-52 loss to Slovenia at Eurobasket earlier today.

The defeat confirmed Macedonia’s elimination from Eurobasket and guaranteed Slovenia their place in the next round in Lille.

But for 35-year-old Ilievski, who was part of the Macedonians stunning fourth placed finish at Eurobasket 2011, there are no regrets. The national side are in rebuilding mode with many of its more notable players, like himself leaving the international scene. There are new and exciting players coming through the ranks and Ilievski knows that it is time to move on.

“Today I have played my last game with the national team and I am happy for everything I did for and with my country,”Ilievski said. “I am proud and I will keep all the memories with me forever.”

Part of those golden memories was indeed Macedonia’s run at Eurobasket 2011, which gave them a spot at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the London Games, that they narrowly missed out on.

Plus he was responsible for the dagger three-pointer that famously knocked out the Eurobasket 2011 hosts Lithuania in Kaunas, and sent thousands of proud Lithuanians home with tears in their eyes.

Highlights of FYR of Macedonia’s proudest moment, and the infamous three from the now-retired Ilievski.