By Aimi G.
Ryhan Stewart is already in Europe.
Not England, Spain, or Germany, but Lithuania.
Do you know where that is? Check out the map below.
On 15 March, the 25-year-old Singapore international signed a two-season contract with FK Riteriai.
It’s not exactly the footballing capital of the world, but for Stewart, it’s a shot at proving Singaporeans can make it outside Southeast Asia.
This move didn’t come easy.
After failing to land a European contract last year due to work permit issues, Stewart had to settle for Albirex Niigata in the shitty Singapore Premier League.
When Riteriai came calling, he knew he had to take the plunge.
On 26 March, he flew out to Vilnius, where he’ll fight for a starting spot in a team that was relegated in 2023 and just clawed its way back to the top flight.
“The first goal is to cement my place in the starting XI,” he said to The Straits Times.
“I want to play as much as I can and put in good performances to help the team finish as high as possible.
“Hopefully, we can also qualify for European club competition.”
Riteriai, nicknamed the Knights, had their best seasons in 2015 and 2016 when they finished second in the league.
Three games into the current A Lyga season, Riteriai sit ninth out of ten teams with two draws and a loss.
Lithuania isn’t the dream destination, but if Stewart delivers, it might not be his last stop in Europe.
MAIN PHOTO: FAS