Montenegrin water polo player Nikola Murišić, who previously played for Montenegro, has decided to represent Serbia. Murišić was included in the Serbian national team roster by coach Uroš Stevanović after previously refusing to play for Montenegro under coaches Vladimir Gojković and Dejan Savić. Before him, other Montenegrin players like Andrija Prlainović and Dušan Mandić also chose to play for Serbia and became top water polo players globally. This change has drawn attention in the region and highlights a trend of Montenegrin athletes switching to Serbia in water polo.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the broader regional and social implications of Montenegrin athletes switching to Serbia, highlighting issues of national identity, sports diplomacy, and the impact on Montenegro’s national teams. They may also discuss the reasons behind the players’ decisions, such as better opportunities and support in Serbia.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts straightforwardly, focusing on the sports aspect of the transfer. They highlight the career moves of Nikola Murišić and other players, the coaching changes, and the impact on both national teams without much political commentary.
Right: Right-leaning media often frame the story in terms of national pride and rivalry, emphasizing Serbia’s strength in water polo and the loss for Montenegro. They may portray the switch as a sign of Serbia’s dominance in the sport and sometimes criticize Montenegro’s sports management.