Sports
Former ISL Striker Nerijus Valskis Retires, Leaves Legacy in Indian Football
Former striker Nerijus Valskis has officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a memorable career that saw him leave a lasting impact on Indian football.
After a successful stint in the Indian Super League (ISL) with Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC, the Lithuanian forward decided to hang up his boots at the age of 36.
Valskis, known for his time with Chennaiyin FC where he emerged as a top scorer, also had spells in countries like Romania, Poland, Israel, and Thailand before making his foray into Indian football.
During his time in the ISL, Valskis showcased his talent and goal-scoring prowess, becoming a fan favorite at both Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC.
One of Valskis’ standout moments in the ISL was his debut goal for Chennaiyin FC in a thrilling match against Hyderabad FC, where he displayed nerves of steel to secure a dramatic victory for his team.
Playing a crucial role in Chennaiyin FC’s journey to the 2019-20 final, Valskis demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, scoring vital goals during the playoffs.
His impressive goal-scoring record saw him win the Golden Boot in the ISL, finishing as the league’s joint top scorer alongside prominent strikers like Roy Krishna and Bartholomew Ogbeche.
After a brief spell with Jamshedpur FC, Valskis made a return to Chennaiyin FC before eventually moving back to Lithuania to join Kauno Zalgiris, where he concluded his playing career.
Despite his retirement, Valskis’ legacy in Indian football remains intact, with fans remembering him for his goals, work ethic, and the impact he had on the teams he represented in the ISL.