D. Kazlauskas is moving to the "Šiauliai" Football Academy club

2024-01-12 08:18 © FA Šiauliai

The football academy "Šiauliai", which started preparing for the new 2024 season on January 8, received another newcomer during this offseason. The team was officially strengthened today by Lithuanian player Donatas Kazlauskas, who competed in the UEFA Conference League group stage.

The 29-year-old newcomer took his first steps towards a professional football career in his hometown of Kretinga, and at the age of fourteen, he moved to the National Football Academy to further develop his skills. His first club in Kretinga was the Kaunas "Atletas", which was still active in the First League at the time. Later, the player moved to Vilnius "Žalgiris", where he made his debut in the highest division of the country at just seventeen years old.

The fourth newcomer to the Šiauliai team arrives in the Sunshine City from the aforementioned "Žalgiris", where he returned in 2022. In the last club, the player had probably the best and most memorable period of his career. In the same year, playing in an attacking position, Donatas, along with the country's vice-champions, reached the group stage of the UEFA Conference League tournament for the first time in Lithuanian football history and added the first trophies to his collection - he became the country's champion, won the LFF Cup, and lifted the LFF Super Cup. In total, he played 78 matches in green and white, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists to his teammates.

Additionally, this year, the forward scored an equalizing goal against the Turkish football giant "Galatasaray" in the UEFA Champions League qualifying match.

Donatas has also been called up to all Lithuanian youth national teams, and currently, he is a member of the national men's team. In total, he has made 34 appearances for the latter, scoring 2 goals and providing as many assists.

The newest member of the Šiauliai team, who plays as a forward, has also played for clubs such as Ukraine's "Lviv", Poland's "Lechia" and "Olimpia", Romania's "Academica", Vilnius "Riteriai", and Klaipėda's "Atlantas".

"The first impressions - great. I feel like I joined a team with a strong squad that will undoubtedly give a good fight, no matter who the opponent is."

"I've always felt sympathy for the Šiauliai team because it somewhat reminds me of the times with Klaipėda's "Atlantas". (Smiles) Well, to be honest, I couldn't reach an agreement with other clubs, but feeling the attention and actions from both the club's management and the head coach proving that I am very welcome here, I decided to connect my future with the Sunshine City."

"I am glad that I managed to win the first championship title and a place in the UEFA Conference League group stage while playing in Vilnius. Like every footballer, I want to get as much playing time as possible everywhere and contribute maximally to the club's results, so I hope for the same in Šiauliai."

"To the yellow-black supporters, I promise to give my all defending the honor and colors of this organization and try to take another step forward towards the title. Forward, Šiauliai!",- enthusiastically concluded D. Kazlauskas.

The fourth newcomer of this offseason will wear the number 99 jersey in the upcoming season.