After spending two seasons with Vilnius Žalgiris, Japanese midfielder Yukiyoshi Karashima has decided to continue his career abroad following the expiration of his contract with the capital club.

Japanese midfielder Yukiyoshi Karashima, represented by AG Consulting and Management, will now continue his career with Latvian champions RFS Riga. The 27-year-old helped Žalgiris win the Lithuanian league title this year and also lifted the Supercup last season.

Karashima joined the Vilnius side ahead of the 2023 season from Kauno Rajonas Hegelmann. In his first year with Žalgiris, the central midfielder wasn’t always a regular starter, but in his second season, he became a key figure, missing only two matches.

Over two seasons, Karashima made 81 appearances across all competitions for Žalgiris, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me and the Žalgiris team. It was a pleasure to fight for the title and play in European competitions with you. I won my first trophy here and learned a lot of valuable lessons. I will never forget my time in Vilnius. Sending heartfelt wishes and best of luck,” Karashima wrote in his farewell message.