Having joined FK Kauno Zalgiris last week, Leon Kreković traveled with the team to Kosovo and made his TOPLYGA debut at the end of the week against FA Siauliai.
The Croatian forward started the match in the starting lineup and stood out with his energetic attacking play, repeatedly taking the initiative and confidently challenging opposing defenders one-on-one.
The 26-year-old introduced himself to Kauno Zalgiris supporters in his first interview with the club's communications team, published on Zalgiris.lt.
"I'm happy to have joined the champions because I want to compete for trophies and play in European competitions. Kaunas is a beautiful city, and the club's facilities are outstanding," the player said, sharing his first impressions.
After an impressive season in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kreković received offers from several European clubs. However, it was head coach Zeljko Sopić who convinced him to choose the Lithuanian champions.
"The biggest factor was the coach. He called me and said he wanted me in his team, and after that I didn't think about any other offers. It was also important that this is the league champion and that the club is competing in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. It's a great opportunity for me, and I want to contribute to the team's success," said the player, who came through the youth academy of Hajduk Split.
According to Kreković, last season was one of the best of his career, although he believes it could have been even better.
"I'd say last season was good, but it could have been even better because there were many situations where I came very close to scoring. That's football – you have to keep looking forward. Bosnia surprised me because there are a lot of teams there that play very good football. The standard of the league is excellent, and the pitches are fantastic," said the club's newest signing.
At HSK Posusje, Kreković played alongside Dejan Kerkez, a former Kauno Zalgiris player who won the Lithuanian championship with the club last season.
"To be honest, I didn't talk to him before signing. I only told him once everything was official – I don't like talking about things before they're finalized. He had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the people working here. I've already had the chance to see that for myself," said the forward, who will wear the No. 9 shirt.
Kreković emphasized that he arrived in Kaunas with clear ambitions and is ready to compete for silverware.
"My goals are the same as the club's: to win the cup, win the league, and compete in Europe. We shouldn't aim any lower—our ambitions have to be the highest possible. In training, I see a lot of quality and experience, and I believe we can achieve great things," Kreković said.
The full interview with Kauno Zalgiris' newest signing is available on the club's YouTube channel.
