Estonian midfielder Nikita Komissarov has returned to Lithuania after a spell training with Kuressaare as a free agent in January, joining second-tier side Minija on a one-year deal.
Komissarov spent last season in the Lithuanian top flight with Šiauliai but has now dropped down a tier, saying the move offers a better fit on and off the pitch. He is aiming to help Minija challenge at the top end of the Pirma Lyga and push for promotion. Minija are currently top of the Pitma Lyga table on a five out of five game winning streak.
Minija have attracted attention since an investor group, Triple M, took a majority stake in the club. The group is owned by 29-year-old forward Moussa Dembélé, who is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League and has previously featured for Fulham, Celtic, Lyon and Atlético Madrid.
Some Lithuanian media have questioned how much difference fresh investment can make in a small market, but Komissarov said the club’s ambitions are clear, with promotion to the top division the first target.
He explained that the move came together quickly after a call from head coach Darius Gvildys.
“Around the middle of January I got a call from the head coach Darius Gvildys,” Komissarov said. “We clicked straight away. We spoke a bit about football and after that he wanted me in his team. The same day we had a video call with the club’s management and sponsors, we agreed the details and after a couple of rounds of talks we reached an agreement.”
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Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/intervjuu-leedus-jatkav-komissarov-nimekast-investorist-keegi-porschega-veel-ei-soida-akki-jargmisel-aastal
