© E. Žaldario
„Žalgiris“ has added another promising Lithuanian to its ranks. The contract was signed with Vilnius Pilukaitis, a member of the Lithuanian youth national teams who has gained experience in foreign teams. The 19-year-old player, usually playing in attacking defender positions, has already shown his potential for the club. He has been training with „Žalgiris“ since August, played in friendly matches, but during the summer player registration period, he was unable to join the new club. After all the formalities were settled, V. Pilukaitis signed a contract with „Žalgiris“ and will officially become a member of the club from January.
„I came to „Žalgiris“ because it is a club with a good reputation. During the time when I was without a club, the team welcomed me to training sessions, I had the opportunity to stay in shape. During that time, I felt like home, like a part of the family, I bonded with the team, the staff. This also motivated me to stay. I am happy to finally become a full-fledged player, I am ready to give all my strength for the team's results,“ said V. Pilukaitis.
The player from Tauragė started playing for the „Tauriukai“ team, later represented the Panevėžys Sports Gymnasium, the Tauragė „Tauras“ team, and the National Football Academy based in Kaunas. A couple of years ago, the young footballer went to England, where he trained in the academy of the well-known club „Blackburn Rovers“. The Lithuanian then made headlines in the media due to rumors of interest from English giants, but his career took him to Italy. Last year he played for „Ascoli Picchio“, and this year he is in the youth team of „Torino“.
V. Pilukaitis has constantly been called up to the Lithuanian youth national teams and has played in teams from U-16 to U-19 age groups.
