Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris, crowned in 2025, continue to shape the contours of their squad for the upcoming season. One confirmed change: Vilius Armanavičius will not be part of the team in 2026, as the midfielder’s contract with the club has come to an end.
The 30-year-old Kaunas native joined Kauno Žalgiris in the summer of 2023. Over two and a half seasons, he made nearly 100 appearances in the green-and-white shirt, scoring 13 goals and providing 6 assists from midfield.
“It was a really good period with plenty of memorable moments. I became a champion here,” Armanavičius said in his farewell message. “It was an interesting stage of my career that has now closed, and something new is about to begin. Looking back, even my statistics, for a player in my position, aren’t bad. My first matches in Europe, the emotions, scoring my most beautiful goal: all of it will stay with me as very good years.”
The highlight of his time with Kauno Žalgiris was unquestionably the 2025 Lithuanian league title, a milestone he had long aimed for.
“I wanted to achieve that. It’s a mark in my career, something I worked and trained for since childhood,” he said. “I joined the club when it had big ambitions, but the first year wasn’t easy. I came in during a difficult period, and I’m leaving during what is probably the club’s strongest moment, so I feel I’ve done my part.”
Armanavičius also pointed to one moment from the championship season that, in his view, could have changed the course of the entire campaign: the LFF Cup match against Neptūnas Klaipėda.
“I think that game could have turned everything in a completely different direction. We got through it, showed character, and became even stronger,” he recalled.
This year, his role in Kaunas was slightly reduced: he made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.
“I became more of a rotation player this season, but my ambitions are higher. I want to play. I don’t feel old, and I feel like I still have a lot to give,” said the midfielder, who will now look for a new club.
As he bids farewell, Armanavičius wished the team success and expressed hope that fans will remember him as a player who always gave everything for the club.
“I want to wish the club the greatest success. We went through a lot together, and I hope everyone sees that I did everything I could. Wishing you all the very best,” he concluded.
