Liviu Antal, 37, experienced an emotional farewell during his final home match with Zalgiris Vilnius in Lithuania. On Sunday evening, his team triumphed over Hegelmann with a score of 4-1 in the 33rd round of the championship.
Antal had announced just days prior his decision to retire from professional football after more than two decades on the field. The match against Hegelmann marked his last appearance in front of the home crowd. He started the game on the bench but was brought on in the 65th minute, replacing Verbickas.
At the conclusion of the game, Zalgiris supporters organized a special tribute for Antal, showing appreciation for his years with the team. The club shared images of the heartfelt farewell on social media.
VIDEO | Liviu Antal’s Farewell Moment at Zalgiris
The fans unveiled a massive banner in Romanian, honoring the former top scorer of Liga 1. The banner read, “MULȚUMESC, BOMBARDIERUL!” alongside a portrait of the player.
Additionally, the stadium’s advertising boards displayed another message, calling Antal a club legend. A statement shared on the club’s official page expressed gratitude to Antal for his impressive tenure at Zalgiris, noting that he walked onto the Vilnius pitch for the final time as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by FK Žalgiris Vilnius (@fkzalgiris)
Zalgiris Wins 4-1 in Liviu Antal’s Farewell Match
The tribute came after Zalgiris secured a decisive 4-1 win over Hegelmann in the Lithuanian championship. With two rounds remaining, Zalgiris is in second place with 50 points, trailing Kauno Zalgiris by one point, although they have played two more matches.
Before the season concludes, Zalgiris is scheduled to face Kauno Zalgiris and Banga Gargzdai.
Liviu Antal Retires After Successful Career in Romania and Lithuania
Antal ends his career following a journey through various European leagues, during which he won significant trophies. He began his senior career at Concordia Chiajna after developing at LPS Bihorul Oradea, later playing for Târgu Mureș and Oțelul Galați.
At Oțelul Galați, he achieved one of his career highlights by helping the team capture the championship title in the 2010-2011 season under coach Dorinel Munteanu. He also secured the Romanian Supercup and competed in the UEFA Champions League against teams like Manchester United, Benfica, and Basel.
In 2012, he moved to FC Vaslui, where he became the Liga 1 top scorer in the 2013-2014 season, paving the way for his international career.
He has also played for several clubs, including Genclerbirligi, Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Pandurii Târgu Jiu, CFR Cluj, Haladas, Zalaegerszeg, CS Mioveni, UTA Arad, and SCM Zalău.
In Lithuania, Antal won two league titles, a Cup, and a Supercup, establishing himself as one of the club’s most respected scorers.
In total, Liviu Antal achieved 110 goals and provided 26 assists for Zalgiris across 213 matches.
