President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE said on Thursday that the UCLA basketball players who were detained in China last week should thank Chinese President Xi Jinping for making their release possible.

"To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made your release possible and, HAVE A GREAT LIFE! Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life!" Trump said in a series of tweets.

To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017

....your release possible and, HAVE A GREAT LIFE! Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017

Trump's comments come a day after he took credit for securing the return of LiAngelo Ball, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley, who were detained after being accused of stealing a pair of sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store near the hotel where they were staying in Hangzhou.

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Trump reportedly raised the issue with Xi during his visit to Beijing last week.

Ball, Hill and Riley returned to the U.S. on Tuesday.

The players thanked Trump during a press conference on Wednesday after the president pushed them on Twitter to show their gratitude.

"To President Trump and the United States government, thank you for taking the time to intervene on our behalf," Riley said.

"We really appreciate you helping us out."