Continuing preparations, Gintra introduce their first overseas signing for 2024: defender Valentina Mana, the first Argentine player in the club's history.

Gintra are the 25-year-old's first club abroad. Previously based in Argentina, the determined defender has arrived in Šiauliai, met the team, coaches and administration, and joined training. She travels with the squad to Rome's Caput Mundi 2024 tournament on 24 February.

From Santa Fe in northeastern Argentina, Mana spent the last four years with top-flight Rosario Central. She has also represented Argentina at U17 and U20 level.

She immediately felt the temperature contrast in Šiauliai. "I researched and knew it would be cold, but it's still hard to prepare for. I'll need time to adjust," she smiled, wrapped in the club's warmest jacket.

V. Mana pasirinko 23-uoju numeriu pažymėtus marškinėlius – su šiuo numeriu ji taip pat rungtyniavo ankstesniuose klubuose. Paklausta ar jai šis skaičiaus reiškią ką nors ypatingo žaidėja pabrėžė, kad tai jos laimingas skaičius, todėl sužinojusi, kad jis laisvas futbolininkė savo pasirinkimu nedvejojo.

"After Gintra showed interest, I spoke to my agent and quickly accepted. He assured me it's a stable, successful organisation that has pursued top goals for years and competes for titles. I hope to contribute significantly next season. This begins my overseas career, and I can't wait to work with my teammates on this challenge," she said positively.


V. Mana pastaruosius metus rungtyniavo aukščiausios Argentinos lygos klube

"I like aggressive competition and try not to let opponents control my territory from the opening minutes. Setting that physical tone can shape the whole match. I'm comfortable with high balls and versatile enough to fill gaps when needed," she explained.

"Valentina is determined, versatile, reads situations well and uses her strengths effectively. She likes not only breaking up attacks but helping create them, bringing balance. During negotiations, we valued her ambition to prove herself in Europe. We hope she settles quickly and becomes a defensive pillar," said director Mantas Radavičius.

V. Mana kontrolinėse rungtynėse prieš FK „Olaine“ ekipą iš Latvijos, kurias gintrietės laimėjo rezultatu 3:2, debiutavo pelnydama įvartį.

Valentina's highlights: