As Gintra prepare for new challenges, the club announce another signing: 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder Lidiane Ribeiro, who will wear the number 8 shirt.
Versatile, determined and tactically mature, she began her career in South America and has since gained valuable experience at several European clubs.
"I started playing at school and then joined a boys' team in my hometown. I turned professional at 18 with Cruzeiro de Macaíba in my home region, spending four seasons in the Brazilian league. I also received an invitation to an extended Brazil national team training camp, which was a special moment," recalled Ribeiro, who has already arrived in Šiauliai and joined training.
After moving to Europe, Ribeiro played in Albania, Portugal and Turkey, demonstrating her midfield versatility and ability to adapt to different styles.
Lidiane feels most comfortable as a number eight, a box-to-box midfielder: "I look for a balance between attack and defence. I can win the ball, start moves and maintain the tempo. My strengths are an aggressive style and firm control of midfield. I like being the bridge between defence and attack," said the player, who chose her favourite number 8.
Her first impressions of Šiauliai were positive: "I know Šiauliai is called the City of the Sun, and Gintra have dominated both domestically and in the Baltic region for many years. It is an impressive history and an honour to join. I've spoken with the coaches, administration and players; the atmosphere is very warm and friendly. I believe this is a great place to pursue victories. That's why I came here: to win," said the determined Brazilian.
Club director Mantas Radavičius believes in her potential: "Lidiane is an experienced midfielder with a strong character. Her energy, work ethic and ability to control the rhythm are what we need now. She understands football well, and players like her are very important in midfield."
Šiauliai will host a UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying tournament for the third consecutive year. Gintra face Romanian champions FCV Farul in the semi-final on 27 August. The Ukrainian champions play the other semi-final against opponents to be confirmed shortly. The final for the sole place in the main UEFA Women's Champions League competition takes place on 30 August at Šiauliai City Stadium.
Failure to reach the group stage would not end Gintra's European season: finishing at least third in the qualifying tournament would allow them to continue in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup.
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