President Trump on Thursday urged the UCLA basketball players who were arrested in China for shoplifting to thank President Xi Jinping for their release, and gave the three men advice on life.

"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 tweeted.

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



The three freshmen players — LiAngelo Ball, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley — were detained by police for stealing sunglasses from a designer store in Hangzhou, China.

Trump spoke with Xi during his visit to Beijing last week about their release. The three were allowed to return to the U.S. late Tuesday.

Then on Wednesday, Trump asked the young men if they were grateful for the work he did to get them back. Hours later, they issued statements thanking the president.

“To President Trump and the U.S. government: Thank you for taking the time to intervene on our behalf,” Riley said. "We really appreciate you helping us out."