by Mantas Aliukonis
FK Riteriai goalkeeper Antonio Tuta celebrated his 30th birthday last weekend, marking a milestone in a career that has taken him across several European leagues. The Croatian-born shot-stopper has been one of Riteriai’s key figures this season, playing a decisive role in the club’s successful fight to retain its place in Lithuania’s A Lyga.
Few moments illustrated his importance better than the relegation playoff at home against Klaipėda’s Neptūnas. Tuta’s assured one-on-one defending, command in coming off his line and crucial saves – particularly late in the first half – were among the factors that helped the Vilnius side secure top-flight survival.
Born in Zadar and standing 190 cm tall, Tuta reflected on both his football journey and his personal development in this exclusive interview to Baltic Football News.
Turning 30 and growing as a goalkeeper
Tuta celebrated his 30th birthday quietly, surrounded by family. Looking back, he feels maturity has brought clarity to his game. “I think I’ve improved the most in making the right decisions at the right time,” he said, stressing how vital that quality is for a goalkeeper.
He also drew a clear line between his on-pitch and off-pitch personalities. “On the field I’m more aggressive and I like to talk a lot,” Tuta explained. “As a person, away from football, I’m very calm and peaceful.”
After his early years in Croatia, Tuta’s first move abroad took him to Iceland. While he describes the country as beautiful and well worth visiting, the footballing level left less of an impression. At the time, even the top division was semi-professional. “Players had to play and work at the same time to earn money,” he recalled.
His next stops were Austria and Bulgaria, two very different experiences. In Austria, his stay was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the league suspended and his time there ending after just three months. Bulgaria, however, proved far more formative. It was there that Tuta signed his first professional contract, learned the language and felt settled both on and off the pitch. “I can honestly say Bulgaria surprised me positively, both in football and in life,” he said.
The pandemic years, stretching from 2021 to 2023, were difficult across the game. Tuta remembers constant testing before matches and the general uncertainty of the period, but admits he prefers not to dwell on it. “I don’t like talking about that time – none of us have good memories from it,” he said.
Slovenia as a stepping stone and lessons from Ireland
At 27, Tuta joined Slovenian side NK Rogaška, who went on to win the country’s second division that season. He believes Slovenia is an excellent environment for young players looking to move up the football ladder. “I’d recommend Slovenia to any young player,” he said, noting that successful spells there can lead to opportunities in Italy, Austria or Switzerland.
Tuta then spent two seasons in Ireland’s second tier with Finn Harps and Kerry FC. He looks back on that period with appreciation, crediting Irish football for helping him improve. He described the league as physically demanding, but less technical and tactical – comparable, in his view, to England’s lower divisions.
One aspect stood out in particular: the atmosphere. “You always feel like you’re playing in England,” he said, pointing to the strong stadium culture. Ultimately, his time in Ireland ended due to intense competition for places. As Tuta explained, Irish clubs often prefer to loan goalkeepers from England’s professional leagues rather than sign foreign players.
Life without a club and a fresh start in Vilnius
Like many players, Tuta has experienced periods without a club – something he describes as the worst situation a footballer can face. His advice to younger players is straightforward: “It’s better to drop one division and play than to be without a club at all.”
He joined Riteriai in June and initially faced a challenging period as the team struggled for results. The turning point came later in the season, particularly in October, when Riteriai kept three consecutive clean sheets. Tuta credits the improvement to collective form and a tactical shift. “We were in good shape as a group – we played like a united fist,” he said, adding that a change to a system with three defenders suited the team well. “October ensured we didn’t finish last.”
Asked about the most annoying part of training, Tuta didn’t hesitate: the gym. When games are quiet, goalkeepers stay engaged by communicating constantly. “We talk a lot, so there’s no time to get bored in goal,” he said.
Growing up in Croatia, choosing football was natural. He listed the country’s top five sports as football, basketball, handball, volleyball and tennis. On boosting attendance at Riteriai’s home matches, Tuta acknowledged the challenge. “Football in Lithuania isn’t the same as in Ireland, where there were always 3,000–4,000 fans, but it can always be better.”
Faith at the centre
Tuta maintains clear routines on matchdays, including prayer before every game. His shirt number, 33, is also symbolic – it represents the age of Jesus.
Asked directly about the role of religion in his life, Tuta was unequivocal. “Faith is the most important thing in my life,” he said. “I believe everything is God’s plan, and that God has a plan for each of us.”
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