Žalgiris forward Liviu Antal says he feels “like family” in Vilnius, describing the trust he has been shown by the club during his time in the Lithuanian capital.
The 37-year-old Romanian, who first joined Žalgiris in 2017 and has returned in different spells, has passed 100 goals for the club and collected major domestic honours, including the Toplyga title as well as the Lithuanian Cup and Super Cup. Antal was also the A Lyga top scorer in 2018 and 2024.
Speaking in an interview released by the club, Antal focused on his life away from the pitch and the sense of belonging he has found at Žalgiris. “When I’m here, I always feel like I’m with family,” he said. “I can see everyone at the club wants me here and is waiting for me. For a player it’s incredibly important to feel that level of confidence. It pushes you to work harder every day and improve.”
Antal said Vilnius has become home for his family too, pointing to the city’s parks and the way his daughter has settled since arriving in Lithuania as a toddler. He also recalled arriving in 2017 without knowing what to expect. “Before coming I looked for information online. At that time I didn’t fully understand where I was going,” he said. “I never thought Vilnius could be such a beautiful and developed city.”
The forward also spoke about the demands of a professional career, saying there are “no weekends” in elite sport and little chance to plan ahead, but that he would not trade the path he has chosen. Antal added that walking out to play in front of supporters remains one of football’s strongest emotions: “It’s impossible to describe that feeling with words.”
He highlighted the backing he has received from Žalgiris fans, recalling a banner displayed in the stadium at the end of last season. “Even now, when I think about it, I get goosebumps,” he said. “Those things stay with you for life.”
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/vilniuje-antrus-namus-rades-l-antalis-kai-esu-cia-jauciuosi-kaip-seimoje/
