The Panevėžys-born midfielder, who has played for clubs in several foreign countries, has already made his debut for his new team, coming on as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Kosovo’s Drita.
“I’m not sure if you can really call it a return, since I never actually made my debut in the Lithuanian championship before. I’m very happy that this opportunity came along. I’m curious to see how everything will work out here. There are exciting challenges ahead. I’m joining a championship-winning team with big ambitions both in Lithuania and in Europe,” the midfielder said in his first interview wearing the green-and-white shirt.
The 31-year-old footballer came through the youth system of Panevėzys club Ekranas and moved to Italy before even turning 18. Since then, he had never worn the jersey of a Lithuanian club, and according to Slivka, the idea of returning home had gradually been taking shape.
“The opportunity to return to Lithuania only came now, so I’m taking it. I spent the last few years in Japan and I really missed Europe. I received an offer from Kauno Zalgiris, and my family and I started discussing it because family is a major factor. My children have reached the age where they need to start school, so the move became inevitable,” Slivka explained.
The Kauno Zalgiris player says he does not expect an easy ride in the TOPLYGA and is approaching this new stage of his career with the same seriousness as every previous one.
“I’m taking this league very seriously. That’s just my character – even if I signed for an amateur team, I would still approach it with complete seriousness. I think this is a strong league, and it won’t be easy. I’m joining in the middle of the season, the team has gone through a coaching change, and it’s not the easiest moment for the club. Personally, I also need to improve my fitness and get to know my teammates, so there are plenty of challenges,” said the Kaunas club midfielder.
The 31-year-old has made 74 appearances for the Lithuanian national team, making him the sixth most-capped player in the country's history. However, the last time he represented Lithuania was in 2025.
“One of the reasons I wanted to return to Europe was also the national team. I’m not thinking about it too much, but the idea of returning to the squad is definitely in the back of my mind. Of course, it all depends on how I perform, what kind of form I’m in, and so on. Then we’ll see,” the midfielder said.
Slivka also spoke about his memorable spell in Japan, Japanese football and culture, as well as other aspects of his career and personal life. The full interview is available on the FK Kauno Zalgiris YouTube channel.
Slivka could make his TOPLYGA debut as early as the evening of July 11 at Darius and GirEnas Stadium in Kaunas, when FK Kauno Zalgiris hosts FK Panevėzys. Tickets are available online.
