© EuroFootball.com
Eleven years ago, starting his professional career after eight years spent in Ukraine, he returned not only to his homeland, but also to his hometown and his home team - Panevezys "Ekranas".
Although he is only 29 years old, the defender who represented the national team 34 times has not been called up for four years. Due to this reason, in the eyes of Lithuanian football fans, D.Gleveckas was like in exile in Ukraine - news about the footballer's life in a foreign country reached Lithuania only occasionally.
EuroFootball.com presents an interview to help you get to know the player better, who, as expected, can become one of the defensive pillars of "Ekranas" this year.
- Why did you decide to return to "Ekranas"? Were you not tempted by foreign teams? If yes, why were their offers rejected.
- I firmly decided that I wanted to return to Lithuania, to Panevezys, and if there were offers from other Lithuanian clubs, I would have declined them. Panevezys is my hometown, I wanted to be closer to family, friends, parents. I am glad that I was able to reach an agreement with the "Ekranas" club and represent my first team.
- Please briefly tell us about your path to professional football - who trained you, who trained with you, were there any difficulties, how were they overcome?
- My first coach at Panevezys KKSC was Giedrius Juzelėnas, Artūras Fomenka trained with me. Right after that, I started playing for the "Ekranas" team, where at that time the current team assistant coach Albertas Klimavičius also played. Of course, I had to prove my abilities, as no one got into the champions team just for good looks, but I did not face any major difficulties.
- You started your professional career in 1996 at "Ekranas". Do you remember anything from those times?
- Those years were really good, as we won both the LFF Cup and the Super Cup. Of course, I did not immediately become a regular player, I had to sit on the bench, play less, but I had to wait for my turn.
- In 1998, you were voted the best football player in Lithuania. Did you have to win more similar titles, which is your favorite?
- That was the only title I won as a player, not with the team. Probably, it is my favorite.
- You left "Ekranas" for "Shakhtar". What influenced this decision? Money offered, opportunities to improve? Were there offers from other Lithuanian teams at that time?
- At that time, there were no offers to play in other Lithuanian teams. I really wanted to leave Lithuania and test myself on the international stage, so when agents noticed me playing for the national team and invited me for a trial at "Shakhtar" club, I stayed there.
- How was it to start a legionnaire's career? Was it difficult to bond with new teammates? Who did you communicate with the most? Was it difficult to prove your worth to the coach? Were there any conflicts?
- Starting a legionnaire's career is never easy, as the requirements are much higher than when playing in your country's clubs. Also, at that time there were not many legionnaires in the "Shakhtar" team, so everything happened during those eight years. I had to prove my worth and fight for a place in the main lineup.
- You changed the team in Ukraine by your choice, was it "Shakhtar" initiative? What hindered you from successfully fitting into the "Ilichevets" team?
- There was intense competition in the "Shakhtar" team for a place in the starting XI, which probably led the leaders to decide to transfer me to another club. It was difficult to come to an agreement with the coach and management of the "Ilichevets" club, our views probably did not match.
- At one point, you even played for the Lithuanian national team. Why do you think you were no longer called up? Did you have any conflicts with the coach? Was leaving the national team painful?
- After going to play for "Shakhtar", later in the "Ilichevets" club, I had less time on the field. Perhaps seeing my performances in the matches of these teams, the national team managers decided not to invite me anymore. Of course, it's a pity that it happened like that, but that's life, there's nothing you can do to change it.
- You have won several titles in your career. Which one is your favorite?
- So far, the favorite of the titles won is the title of Ukrainian champions with the "Shakhtar" team, but I believe that I will also have the opportunity to win a medal as Lithuanian champions.
- What do you think about the current level of Lithuanian football? What should be done to improve it? What is its biggest drawback?
- Of course, if I compare with what I left behind when I went to Ukraine eight years ago, everything has changed for the better: many teams have strengthened, many legionnaires have come to play for the clubs. It is a pity that the interest of Lithuanians in football is still so low, but I think that in the future more spectators will choose to go to the stadiums, and with greater support, players will be even more motivated to achieve victories and demonstrate beautiful football.
- You are married, recently your son was born. How did your life change after that?
- (Laughs...) It changed, because I returned to Panevezys. The birth of my son was one of the main reasons to return to Lithuania.
- You have been in several foreign countries. Which one did you like the most? Why?
- Of all the countries I visited, I liked Iceland the most, where I had to stay representing the Lithuanian national team. This country stands out from the others with its nature and architecture.
- Whose cuisine do you like the most? Can you cook any of their dishes yourself?
- Like all true Lithuanians, my favorite cuisine is Lithuanian, and, of course, after spending so much time in Ukraine - Ukrainian. I'm not a chef, but I could probably make potato pancakes.
- What sport, besides football, interests you the most? Favorite team or athlete?
- After returning to Lithuania, I often watch basketball games, but I really can't say if I have favorites, I just find it interesting to watch team games.
- What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
- After the birth of my son, I try to spend as much time with my family as possible, sometimes I play billiards with friends, I became interested in carp fishing, but like many footballers representing strong clubs, I don't have much free time.
- What music do you listen to? Do you listen to any music specifically before matches to "pump you up"?
- I'm not a music lover, I like a variety of music, but here in Turkey, I "caught" one song from other team players, which is always on my mind. (Sings a song by Radži "What to do...")
- What would you like to do after ending your career? Do you already have any specific plans? Have you thought about a coaching career? How long do you plan to continue playing?
- So far, I do not plan so far into the future, I know only that I would like to continue playing football as long as my health allows, and as long as I am useful to the team.
Quickly
- "Chelsea" or "Barcelona"?
- "Barcelona"
- Ronaldinho or Lampard?
- Lampard
- Mourinho or Wenger?
- Wenger
- "Ferrari" or "Lamborghini"?
- As far as I understand, you allow me to choose a gift from you? (Laughs) Then "Ferrari"
- Potatoes or pasta?
- Pasta
- Schwarzenegger or Stallone?
- Stallone
- B. Spears or C. Aguilera?
- C. Aguilera
- "Lietuvos Rytas" or "Žalgiris"?
- I don't even know what to choose... Whatever I choose, my friends won't let me live in peace, but maybe "Žalgiris".
- What would you wish the EuroFootball.com visitors for the upcoming A League season?
- I invite all football fans to attend Lithuanian team matches, support their country and city teams. I wish you a lot of good emotions and beautiful football this year.
