Today, league runner-up FC Hegelmann announced exciting news for their fans: Klaudijus Upstas, the team captain and the club’s record holder for the most games played, will remain with the team for one more year.
The 30-year-old Lithuanian international joined the Kaunas district club in 2020 when they were competing in the Lithuanian second division, known as Pirma Lyga. He played a crucial role in helping them secure promotion to the A Lyga for the first time in the club’s history during that season.
The following two seasons were outstanding for both Upstas and the team. Hegelmann finished 4th and 5th in their first two A Lyga seasons, and Upstas made his Lithuanian national team debut in the 2022 Baltic Cup in November against Iceland. Before the 2023 season, manager Andrius Skerla appointed him as the permanent team captain. He led the team in their first-ever European match, although they were eliminated by FC Shkupi from North Macedonia in the 1st qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
Last season, still wearing the captain’s armband, Upstas guided the team to its best finish ever—second place and Lithuanian Cup final. It was also his most productive season, as he scored three goals and provided four assists in 34 league games. But Upstas is looking for new heights as upon signing his contract extension with the club, he said, “The work is not done yet,.”
As the Hegelmann record holder for the most appearances in the A Lyga, Klaudijus has made a total of 135 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals for the Kaunas district club.
Next summer, Hegelmann will compete in the UEFA Conference League, marking the second time in the club’s history that they have qualified for this tournament.
Source: https://fchegelmann.com/melynai-baltu-kapitonas-lieka-sestajam-sezonui/