Chennai, India: Former Indian Super League (ISL) star Nerijus Valskis has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that saw him leave his mark on the Indian league. The 36-year-old Lithuanian striker made the official announcement on Monday, February 26th, 2024.
Valskis’ most notable stint in India came during his first season with Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 ISL season. He bagged the Golden Boot award, scoring 15 goals in 20 matches, and helped his team reach the ISL final. His impressive performance even earned him the nickname “The Lithuanian Hitman” among Indian football fans.
Following his success with Chennaiyin, Valskis moved to Jamshedpur FC for the 2020-21 season. After a year with Jamshedpur, he returned to Chennaiyin FC midway through the 2021-22 season, marking his final season in India. He then returned to Lithuania to play for Kauno Zalgiris before ultimately deciding to call it a career.
While Valskis never managed to win the ISL trophy, he carved a memorable space in the league with his prolific goalscoring and impactful presence. His three seasons in the ISL saw him score a total of 32 goals and establish himself as a fan favorite.
“It’s not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time for me to hang up my boots,” Valskis said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career, especially the special memories I made playing in the ISL with Chennaiyin FC and the fans there.”
The ISL community and fans across India are sure to remember Nerijus Valskis for his contributions to the league and his dedication to the sport.
Here’s a summary of Nerijus Valskis’ records in the ISL:
- Seasons: 3 (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
- Teams: Chennaiyin FC (2 stints), Jamshedpur FC
- Matches: 60
- Goals: 32 (15 with Chennaiyin, 8 with Jamshedpur, 9 in total across both stints with Chennaiyin)
- Assists: 6 (all with Chennaiyin)
- Honors:
- ISL Golden Boot (2019-20)
- Chennaiyin FC’s 2nd-highest joint top scorer in the ISL
- Jamshedpur FC’s 3rd-highest joint top scorer in the ISL
Valskis was a prolific scorer during his time in the ISL, especially during his first season with Chennaiyin FC. He also contributed significantly with assists, making him a valuable asset for his teams.
Chennaiyin FC’s 2nd-highest joint top scorer in the ISL
Sharing the title of Chennaiyin FC’s 2nd-highest joint top scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) is Nerijus Valskis, the Lithuanian striker who recently announced his retirement. During his first season with the Marina Machans in 2019-20, he displayed exceptional talent, scoring 15 goals in 20 matches and earning the ISL Golden Boot award. This remarkable performance, alongside his contributions in other seasons, cemented his place in Chennaiyin FC’s history and solidified his status as a fan favorite.
Jamshedpur FC’s 3rd-highest joint top scorer in the ISL
Nerijus Valskis also holds the distinction of being Jamshedpur FC’s joint third-highest scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) during his time with the club in the 2020-21 season. Although his stint with Jamshedpur wasn’t as prolific as his time with Chennaiyin FC, he still managed to make a significant impact, contributing 8 goals in his 23 appearances for the Men of Steel. This achievement showcases his consistent goalscoring ability and adaptability across different ISL teams.
Golden Boot (2019-20)
In the 2019-20 ISL season, Nerijus Valskis etched his name into the league’s history by claiming the coveted Golden Boot award. He finished as the league’s top scorer, notching an impressive 15 goals in 20 matches. This accomplishment didn’t come easy, as the race for the Golden Boot was fiercely contested, with Valskis sharing the lead with two other strikers. However, his superior contribution in terms of assists (6 compared to 0 from his competitors) tilted the scales in his favor, solidifying his position as the season’s most prolific scorer. This Golden Boot win not only cemented his place in ISL history but also highlighted his exceptional talent and dedication during his time in India.
