Lithuanian defender Sigitas Olberkis is set to become the first Lithuanian footballer to play in the Iraqi Premier League after Erbil SC announced the signing of the centre-back on a one-year contract.
The 29-year-old spent the last season and a half in Albania with Elbasani, making 51 appearances and scoring two goals during his time at the club.
Olberkis has now opted for one of the most unusual destinations for a Lithuanian player by joining Erbil SC, one of the most successful clubs in the Kurdistan Region. Erbil are four-time Iraqi champions, although their most recent league title came during the 2011/12 season. Last season, the club recorded its best finish since 2013/14 by claiming third place in the Iraqi Premier League.
The Iraqi top flight is played on an autumn-to-spring calendar and features 20 clubs. The previous season began in September.
Throughout his career, Olberkis has played in several countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Malta, Ireland, Sweden, Albania and now Iraq. In Lithuania, he has represented FK Kruoja, FK Šiauliai, FK Panevežys and Vilnius Žalgiris.
