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The team of Vilnius City Football Club "Žalgiris" was reinforced at the start of the preparation for the new season by defender Mantas Fridrikas.
The son of the famous Vilnius "Žalgiris" footballer Robertas Fridrikas has followed in his father's footsteps.
From now on, the 25-year-old center-back M. Fridrikas will wear the green and white jersey.
The newcomer to "Žalgiris", who started his career at Kaunas "Atletas", spent last season with the "Šiauliai" club.
Previously, the tall 189cm player represented the Kaunas FBK team for several years and briefly tasted the life of a foreign player in Denmark's Odense "Fyn" team.
M. Fridrikas has also made his debut in the Lithuanian national team. In 2010, he appeared on the field in a friendly match against Hungary.
“When I received the offer from 'Žalgiris,' I didn't hesitate for long. I am not coming to just any team. 'Žalgiris' is the champion of Lithuania. The highest goals are set here. That's what I aim for as well. This is a big step forward in my career," said M. Fridrikas, who participated in his first team training sessions on Monday.
Becoming the first debutant of the Vilnius team this year, the player is eagerly awaiting the new challenges ahead.
“I know most of the guys competing in the team. They all work hard. We will see who will establish themselves in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season, and who will start on the bench. In this preparation stage, everyone's opportunities are equal," said M. Fridrikas, who has joined the Žalgiris team.
“We want to have four players in the center-back position. Mantas is an interesting player in this position. I hope that representing 'Žalgiris,' he will progress and become a good Lithuanian footballer,” commented the green and white coach Marekas Zubas about his new protege.
