Lithuania's first Aquillotto: Aurimas Vilkaitis

Among all the doom and gloom here's something a little different to read.

Some of you probably already seen (just before New Year) that Lazio had signed a youngster from Lithuania by the name of Aurimas Vilkaitis. There wasn't much else reported so I thought maybe to shed some light on this guy.

Aurimas is only 16 (almost 17) and has been member of the Lithuanian national football academy for the past two years, as well as national under-17 team. Frankly he hasn't achieved anything yet in football (and I haven't seen him play myself) but has good physical attributes and also leaves the impression of a bright lad.

Apparently he has signed a five-year deal with the club (or maybe a pre-contract since he's too young). His signing brought the name of Lazio to attention in the Lithuanian media, which is quite a rare thing. In fact, not only Aurimas did, but also his team mate midfielder Martynas Dapkus, who was invited to a trial by the club. They both had to fly to Rome today (January 25) and report in to the squad.

They are not the first Lithuanians to come to Lazio (one player was on a trial last year), but Aurimas is the first to sign so it's a bit of a history as well. Not sure but he might also probably be the first one to come from Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Obviously it's something of a pride for the few Laziali in this part of the world.

Since I work on football reporting, I spoke to Aurimas last week, and I thought to share it with you. Below you’ll find translated excerpts of what he had to say.

Short info on him:

Name, surname: Aurimas Vilkaitis
Birth date: 1993-02-11
Birth place: Jonava, Lithuania
Position: Central defender
Height: 190
Weight: 85

Interview:

- How did you start your football career?
- Actually I started from other activities, attended dancing for few years and only went to football in the fifth grade. After three years of training in my home town I was invited to the academy and I’ve been there for two years now.

- How hard is to leave all your friends, relatives and go to a foreign country?
- I think that in the beginning it will be difficult. But when I’ll learn Italian it should be easier. It’s good that we go together with a friend. It’s more difficult to come alone when you do not know anything, all responsibility falls on your shoulders. Hopefully Martynas will also stay at the club after his trial.

- Have you already been to Italy? How did you sign with Lazio?
- Last summer I went to Navarra club, but did not like it there. The conditions were similar, but the standard of play, in my opinion, not higher. Therefore I did not want to stay there.

A month ago I also went to Italy to a trial of one Serie C club. An agent came to me and said that Lazio is looking for a central defender of a similar age like me. Then I went to Rome for a few days, had a work out with the team. I spoke to director of the club (Igli Tare) and they offered me a five-year contract. Only coming to such a club was a good opportunity. The fact that I signed to play here is absolutely fantastic.
Only very few players get such a chance.

- Where do you expect to play in Lazio structure?
- Probably in the reserves (Primavera). When I came here for a trial I trained with a team of players born from 1990 to 1992. Hopefully I’ll be there again and maybe from time to time there will be chances to practice with the firs team.

- What can you tell about the club itself?
- I know that in Formelo Lazio has one of the best training grounds in Italy. I’ve also seen a Lazio game recently and noticed the team has been struggling in defense. As far as I know, and from what I understood talking with Igli Tare the club is looking for defenders, and is trying hard to find young talent.

- What are your immediate goals and future dreams?
- My goal now is to break in to the Lazio first team, and if successful, continue progressing onwards. Previously I dreamed to play in England. There football is more physical, while in Italy more emphasis is put on technique. I like to play contact football more so it will be hard for me in Italy. But it will help to improve my technical skills. I know that Marius Stankevičius (former Sampdoria defender, now loaned to Sevilla) has done well in Italy and I hope to follow in his footsteps.

Few pics of Aurimas on national duty:
(1st pic - on the left, 2nd pic - center, 3rd pic - second from the right)

Thank you...excellent work

Thank you m8.

Always a welcoming news!

He surely has big nipples

Joke aside I hope that he'll become great player.
Welcome Aurimas

I hope that you can step up for Siviglia very soon. It seems that he has very good phisical abilityes, and with hard work he can be something special for us.
Forza Aurimas!!!

Thanks Magnoem. Tomorrow i will report your interview in the radio.
With your name .

Thanks for sharing Magnoem. And welcome Aurimas! I wish you all the best at Lazio!

Jofo wrote:

He surely has big nipples

damn Jofo!!! you make me scared

but you're definitely right and i just noticed it in the second sight after i read your post

Top stuff.

Hopefully the kid can grow as a footballer and break through at Lazio.

Great interview Magnoem! Now it's time for la Lazio tu shape him in to a good defender!

Jofo wrote:

He surely has big nipples

Joke aside I hope that he'll become great player.
Welcome Aurimas

ROFL! ROFL! ROFL!

i've translated this into chinese and posted it on our bbs. i hope you won't mind this.

check this out, with your name.:

http://www.laziofly.com/viewthread.php?tid=70803&extra=page%3D1

Cheers Magnoem.

Sounds like a very promisng Centre Back.

Fingers crossed he makes the grade.

Nice work Magno.
First official player from the Baltics. My favourite estonian youngster playes now in Greece so maybe some day I even sent Erme his biography but mr. tare isnt interested i think :)
And a big Welcome to Aurimas.

Nice work Magnoem!

At least the club is doing something right. The guy seems promising.

LazioS70 wrote:

Nice work Magno.
First official player from the Baltics. My favourite estonian youngster playes now in Greece so maybe some day I even sent Erme his biography but mr. tare isnt interested i think :)
And a big Welcome to Aurimas.

Sander Puri? He was very close to joining my other team Celtic.

great, i'm glad to see a Lithuanian at Lazio. Actually saw him play a lot last summer, he's a very calm player who doesn't make careless mistakes.

Quote :

Sander Puri? He was very close to joining my other team Celtic.

Sander Puri indeed, talented guy. He was really close by joining Celtic. Sadly there was no deal. Greece isnt the baddest destination though.
Aurimas is 17...I hope he has that needed talent to grow as a top player. I think with Lazio he has it all to be one.....

Good Job Mr Magnoem.
Your article( one part of it) has been reported on Corriere dello sport.