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    In January 2010 a then 16 year old boy from Lithuania signed a 5 year contract with one of Europe's biggest clubs, Lazio. A regular for the Lithuanian Under 18's and recently called up to Lithuanian Under 19's Vilkaitis seems to be a very promising young lad. Prior to signing with Lazio he was very successful with the National academy of Lithuania where he was first scouted.


    "A deal with Lazio is a dream come true"

    On October 11 2010 Vilkaitis was called up to Lithuanian under 19 squad to help his team in UEFA Under 19 qualifiers on 19-24 October against Spain, Israel and Armenia.

    Despite being 2 years younger than most of the other team players, his coach expects him to be the leader of the team and a perfect example to his team mates.

    However Rome Lazio club did not allow Vilkaitis to leave until 2 days before the qualifiers start due to a very important reserve derby against Roma on October 16th.

    This is an interview with Vilkaitis shortly after he signed with Lazio

    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 it 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 first 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 Stankevi
    ius (former Sampdoria defender, now playing for Valencia) has done well in Italy and I hope to follow in his footsteps.