Mantas Kuklys, a true legend of Lithuanian football and a multiple A Lyga champion, has announced about his retirement, as announced by the Šiauliai FA team.
“After much hesitation, I have decided that it is time to bring my football career to an end. I never wanted this day to come, but every journey eventually reaches its conclusion. It was an incredibly difficult decision because I love this sport and especially being out on the pitch, it won’t be easy. However, I am truly grateful to end my career where it all began—in my hometown,” Kuklys said, opening his farewell speech.
Mantas began his professional football journey in 2006, making his debut for his hometown club, FA Šiauliai. Over the course of seven years, the 37-year-old midfielder proudly represented his city, becoming one of the most capped players in the club’s history. During this time, he donned the yellow-and-black jersey 171 times, scoring 29 goals and providing 11 assists.
Over the course of his professional football career, Mantas Kuklys played an impressive total of 386 matches in the top division of Lithuanian football, securing his position as the second-most capped player in the league’s history. During his 18-year career, the native of Šiauliai also showcased his talent internationally, representing clubs in Belgium, Czech Republic and Kazakhstan.
Mantas’s talent extended beyond club football, as he also made a significant impact on the international stage. He earned 38 caps for the Lithuanian national team, providing memorable assists in a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia and a European Championship qualifier against Portugal.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to many people who have played a crucial role in my journey. First, I want to thank Rimantas Viktoravičius, who is probably the main reason I became a professional player, without him, it might never have happened. Also a huge thank you to Rytis Tavoras, for giving me the chance to play for the main Šiauliai team even when I wasn’t yet deserving of it, that’s where this incredible journey truly began. A big thanks to Romas Stapulionis, for instilling in me life values and a deep love for sport. To Vilma Venslovaitienė, for her trust, care, and immense contribution to my development as both a person and a footballer. To Mindaugas Nikoličius, for believing in me and offering me the opportunity to play for the best team in Lithuanian football. I also want to thank my coaches Marek Zub, Valdas Dambrauskas, Erik Van Meir, Edgaras Jankauskas, Dmitrijs Ogajas, Mindaugas Čepas, and many others who shared their knowledge with me, both on the pitch and in life.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Gintautas Mirauskas for the two times we worked together both in the past and now. His sincerity, honesty, and unwavering integrity have meant a great deal to me. A special thank you goes to my colleagues Egidijus Vaitkūnas and Saulius Mikoliūnas. I’ve spent so much time with them, both on the pitch and in the same room. I deeply appreciate their advice and even their criticism, which has been incredibly important to me. I love you both, and I am profoundly grateful, thank you so, so much.I also want to thank all the players I had the privilege of sharing the pitch with and calling my teammates. I’ve met so many wonderful people and made lifelong friends, and I’m confident I’ll stay in touch with many of them. A very big thank you to the entire PIETU IV fan community, with whom we have built a truly remarkable bond over almost 10 years.
I would also like to thank all my friends who have supported me and, at times, criticized me. I know for certain that your support has always been sincere and wholehearted. A big thank you goes to my relatives, especially my in-laws, who have been there for me through thick and thin, offering advice when needed, stepping in to support me, and even criticizing me when it was necessary. I am truly grateful to my dad, for his boundless love and sacrifices. He gave me his last penny so I could attend a tournament or a training session, and I’ll never forget waiting for him in the car after late practices. Those moments meant the world to me. To my mum, who became my rock after my dad passed away. She was always there, even when the weather was bad, telling me not to go to training, which only fueled my determination to push through and play the game I love. And most importantly, I want to thank my family Dovilė, Meida, and Noris, for always standing by me, supporting me during tough times, sharing my happiness and my tears, whether from joy or pain. Please know that I love you deeply, and you are the most important people in the world to me. Lastly, thanks everyone who criticized and doubted me because of you, I’ve had this incredible career that has lasted nearly 30 years. Mantas Kuklys was with you, and this is the end of my beautiful story,” concluded Mantas Kuklys, marking the end of his career as a professional footballer.
FA Šiauliai thanks Mantas for his significant contribution and unparalleled dedication to his city, team and to Lithuanian football and wishes him all the best for the next challenge of his life. However, Mantas’s journey will remain closely tied to the Šiauliai Football Academy, as the Lithuanian football legend has been entrusted with the role of head coach for the B team in the upcoming season of the “TOPsport Pirma Lyga.”
Source: https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/sportas/10/2453380/mantas-kuklys-baige-futbolininko-karjera