Chilean President Michelle Bachelet welcomed on Friday at the Government Headquarters, tennis player Fernando Gonzalez who obtained a silver medal at the Olympic Games of Beijing.

"Congratulations. I am sure this silver medal makes justice to the sacrifice of your career and your love for Chile and for the homeland," Bachelet told Gonzalez, the only Chilean citizen to obtain a medal.

Bachelet hailed the national tennis player's achievements whom he considered "a real leader, always remembering his dear Chile and its people when he succeeds abroad, so congratulations again."

Gonzalez who proudly showed his Olympic medal, thanked Bachelet and said "I am always grateful for the support that I feel in Chile and from the Chileans abroad."

Gonzalez said he expects to be on the podium in the London 2012 Games.

"I will have to keep on training to be there again in 2012. I want to thank, starting with the President, all the Chileans," Gonzalez said.

Bachelet also wished good luck to the Chilean team who will play at the Davis Cup, that will play in Antofagasta city on September 19-21 against Australia.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)