Matas Vareika speaks about football with striking simplicity. For him, the game boils down to a clear equation: score and win, or fail and face the consequences. Yet when the conversation shifts to his off-field interests, table tennis battles with teammates or the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine, the FK Žalgiris midfielder reveals a far more expressive, humorous side.
“You score or you don’t. It’s that simple. If you score and we win, good. If you don’t and we lose, bad. Football is simple: score, win, everyone’s happy. If you don’t, expect messages on Instagram.”
At 26, Vareika has returned to FK Žalgiris after more than two years away, bringing with him both experience and perspective. He has already featured in a Toplyga match against FC Hegelmann, though injury sidelined him against reigning champions FK Kauno Žalgiris.
A Return Home
Before coming back to Vilnius, Vareika spent a full season with FC Pyunik in Armenia. His return to Žalgiris was swift in decision, if not in process.
“One phone call, that’s all it took. They asked if I wanted to come back. I said yes. Of course, behind the scenes there was a lot more, but the most important thing is it worked out.”
Having previously played for Žalgiris between 2019 and 2023, winning three league titles, he remains closely tied to the club. One memory stands out vividly: scoring his first professional goals in a dramatic 2:1 win over FK Riteriai.
“After that match, the fans were chanting my name. That moment stays with you for life.”
Competition Beyond Football
While football dominates his professional life, a new passion has emerged in the locker room: table tennis.
“We’ve got a table at the club. What more do you need? A table and an opponent.”
Vareika confidently declares himself the best player in the squad, though recent defeats, particularly to teammate Paulius Golubickas, suggest the competition is fierce. Matches sometimes even come with stakes.
“We played for dinner once. I beat goalkeeper Vincentas Šarkauskas. When there’s something on the line, I switch into beast mode.”
Life in Armenia
Off the pitch, Armenia left a strong impression, especially its cuisine.
“Lithuanians need to improve when it comes to food. The meat there is perfect. Armenian shashlik? Ten out of ten.”
He fondly recalls meals with lavash bread and grilled meat, describing them as simple yet unforgettable. Still, life outside the capital, Yerevan, felt like stepping back in time.
“The center is beautiful. But go a bit further out, and it feels like 50 years ago. Still, the people are incredibly warm.”
One of the more unusual sights?
“Cows just walking through the streets. You stop your car and wait, they’re not moving for you.”
Football Roots and Inspirations
Vareika’s love for football began during the UEFA Euro 2008, when Fernando Torres scored the winning goal in the final.
“That was it for me. Spain won, Torres scored, I was a fan. He became my favorite player.”
Unlike many of his generation, he didn’t gravitate toward Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, his loyalty followed clubs, particularly Liverpool FC and players associated with them, like Steven Gerrard and Luis Suárez.
Looking Ahead
Back at Žalgiris, Vareika sees potential, but also room for growth.
“There’s quality in the team. That’s the most important thing. Now it’s about building step by step.”
As for European competitions, his outlook remains pragmatic.
“It all depends on the draw. If the opponent is beatable, you have to beat them. It’s that simple.”
Yet he also remembers how close Žalgiris came to upsetting Galatasaray in 2023.
“Moments like that show miracles can happen in football. But when you’re close and it doesn’t happen, that’s the hardest part.”
Simple Philosophy, Clear Plan
For Vareika, both football and life follow a straightforward logic: perform, improve, and keep moving forward. Whether it’s scoring goals, winning table tennis matches, or enjoying grilled meat in Armenia, his approach remains consistent: direct, grounded, and just a little bit witty.
And if everything goes according to plan?
“First, build the stadium. Then fill it. Then win in it. Simple.”
