At just 25 years old, former professional footballer Karolis Uzėla is starting a new chapter in his football journey. Due to ongoing health issues that have prevented him from continuing his playing career, Uzėla has officially joined the coaching staff at Vilnius Football Academy (VFA), where he will now work with the academy’s youngest players.
Uzėla began the current season with TransINVEST, a club based in the Vilnius district and coached by Marius Stankevičius. However, recurring injuries kept him off the pitch and unable to contribute to the team’s campaign. The talented midfielder, formerly of FK Žalgiris Vilnius, Riga FC, and Kauno Žalgiris, was forced to retire after developing a rare condition: an underdeveloped cartilage in his knee.
The condition is not unique to Uzėla. Former basketball star Linas Kleiza and Uzėla’s contemporary Justinas Marazas were also forced into early retirement for similar reasons.
Despite the setback, Uzėla remains dedicated to football. He is currently pursuing a degree in Sports Management at the Lithuanian Sports University, and is already putting his knowledge into practice. According to VFA, he coaches children of various age groups at both the Fanų Stadium and in the Baltupiai neighborhood of Vilnius.
Uzėla’s story is one of resilience : a promising career cut short, but a passion for the game that continues to inspire the next generation.
Source : https://www.sportas.lt/naujiena/519280/karolis-uzela-deda-taska-futbolininko-karjeroje-ir-pradeda-treniravimo-etapa