Gilman Lika

Gilman Lika (born 31 January 1987) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Vllaznia Shkodër in the Albanian Superliga and the Albania national team.

Gilman Lika
Gilman Lika (#7) with Tirana
Personal information
Full name Gilman Lika
Date of birth (1987-01-13) 13 January 1987
Place of birth Shkodër, Albania
Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Vllaznia Shkodër
Number 17
Youth career
2001–2004 Vllaznia Shkodër
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2008 Vllaznia 79 (6)
2008–2009 Hacettepe 24 (2)
2009–2010 Boluspor 28 (3)
2010–2011 Diyarbakırspor 4 (0)
2011–2013 Tirana 61 (14)
2013–2014 Al-Faisaly 12 (3)
2014–2015 Flamurtari 29 (2)
2015 Vllaznia 17 (3)
2015–2017 Tirana 54 (2)
2017– Vllaznia 64 (8)
National team‡
2004–2005 Albania U19 3 (1)
2005–2008 Albania U21 9 (1)
2008– Albania 19 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 26 November 2017
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 6 July 2015

Having started his career with Vllaznia Shkodër in 2004, he moved to Turkey in 2008 where he played for Hacettepe, Boluspor and Diyarbakırspor before returning to Albania to play for Tirana. He then had a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Faisaly before returning to Albania once again to play for Flamurtari Vlorë and Vllaznia Shkodër, before returning to Tirana in July 2015.

A full international for Albania since 2008, Lika has earned over 15 caps for his country. He has also represented U-19 and U-21 side.

Club career

Early career

Born in Shkodër, Lika started his playing career with Vllaznia Shkodër. After years working up the ranks at the club, Lika finally made his breakthrough during the 2005–06 season at the age of just 18. He made his debut in the Albanian Superliga against Lushnja on 18 September 2005 in a 1–3 win; he came on as a substitute on the 89th minute. During that season Lika managed to play 28 games. His first goal came against Dinamo Tirana on 29 April 2006. Lika came on as a substitute in the 46th minute and his goal came in the 86th minute. During his years at Vllaznia Shkodër, Lika produced many great performances and in total he played 77 games and scored 14 goals in the Albanian Superliga.

Turkey

Along with fellow Vllaznia Shkodër players Admir Teli and Xhevahir Sukaj, he moved to the Turkish side Hacettepe Spor Kulübü on 4 August 2008. After joining the club Lika managed to make it into the starting lineup. During his time at Hacettepe, Lika played 24 matches and has scored two goals, being one of the valuable players of the team, which finished the 2008–09 season in the last position.[1]

After leaving Hacettepe Spor Kulübü, Lika signed with fellow Turkish side Boluspor in August 2009. He scored two goals in his debut match against Mersin İdmanyurdu on 23 August, helping the team to win match 2–1.[2] This was followed by another goal in the 2–1 away defeat to Çaykur Rizespor, which made temporarily him the TFF First League top goalscorer.[3]

After a year at Boluspor, Lika was transferred to Diyarbakırspor.[4]

Tirana

Lika returned to Albania following a two and a half year absence in January 2011, signing a two-year contract with Tirana.[5] His Tirana debut came on 31 January 2011 against Dinamo Tirana in the Tirana derby, where Lika helped his side to a 2–1 win.[6]

On 7 November 2012, in the returning leg of 2012–13 Albanian Cup's second round against Kukësi, Lika produced a Man of the Match performance by provining two assists and scoring a goal in an eventual 3–2 home win, which was not enough as Tirana was eliminated with the aggregate 6–3, losing the first leg 4–0.[7] However, after the match it was reported that Lika suffered an ankle injury in his left leg.[7]

On 7 April 2013, Lika scored an amazing free kick against Skënderbeu Korçë, which proved to be the winner as Tirana won the match 1–0 at Qemal Stafa Stadium.[8]

Flamurtari Vlorë

On 1 February 2014, Lika completed a transfer to Flamurtari Vlorë as a free agent by signing a four-month contract worth €50,000.[9] He made his competitive debut a day later in the goalless draw against Bylis Ballsh, playing the entire second half.[10] His first score-sheet contributions came in his fourth appearance for the club on 22 February, starting and scoring an opener in an eventual 2–3 away defeat at Kukësi.[11][12] During the match he was involved in an incident with the home crowd, provoking them after scoring the first goal of the match.[12] Lika defended himself by saying: "I understand that I might have exaggerated, but everything has a reason. I want to tell with the biggest sincerity that during the match Kukësi fans insolted me with the lowest insults ever. That's why I reacted like this after I scored the goal."[12] He scored his second goal of the season one month later exactly against the same opponent, in another away defeat, this time 4–2, as Lika scored the match's last goal.[13] Lika finished the second part of the season by making 16 league appearances, scoring twice in the process, as Flamurtari finished the season in the 7th position. He was also an important instrument in team's success in cup, making 5 appearances, including a full-90 minute in the final, as the team defeated Kukësi at Qemal Stafa Stadium to save the season, securing a spot in 2014–15 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.[14]

In June 2014, it was confirmed that Lika would stay at the club for the upcoming season.[15] He was included in the Europa League squad, and played his first match of the season on 3 July in the away tie against Sioni Bolnisi, scoring the winner in the last minute of added time to reward his team with a 3–2 win.[16] He also played in the returning leg as Flamurtari went through thanks to away goal rule.[17] On 5 January 2015, Lika terminated his contract with the club after 11 months, becoming a free agent in the process.[18]

Vllaznia Shkodër

On 23 January 2015, Lika agreed terms with his first club Vllaznia Shkodër to return to his hometown club following a six-year absence, signing a six-month contract.[19] He made his debut one week later, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 upset against Teuta Durrës at Niko Dovana Stadium.[20] On 8 February, Lika played for the first time in Loro Boriçi Stadium as an Vllaznia player after six years absence, starting again and playing 90 minutes in another defeat, this time against his former employer Tirana.[21] Lika scored his first goal for Vllaznia after his return, and also his first goal of 2014–15 season, in a 2–0 home win over Apolonia Fier.[22]

During February he made his Albanian Cup debut as well, playing 90 minutes in a two-legged match against FK Kukësi, who advanced to the next round with the aggregate 2–0.[23] On 18 April, during the league match against his former team Flamurtari Vlorë, Lika scored a free-kick in the 59th minute to help the team to leave the stadium with one point.[24] He scored his third goal of the season again by free-kick, this time in a 1–1 draw against Elbasani at the neutral ground Gjorgji Kyçyku Stadium.[25]

Vllaznia ended the season in the seventh place with 35 points, running out of objectives.[26] In individual aspect, Lika ended the second part of the season with Vllaznia by playing 19 matches in all competitions, including 17 in Albanian Superliga, and scored two goals. His good performances attracted the attention of capital clubs, Tirana and Partizani.[27] Lika left the club on 1 July after his contract expired, being a free agent.[28][29] During an interview, Lika said that he left Vllaznia because of "difficult situation of the club", adding that "every player in his place would do the same thing".[30]

Return to Tirana

On 6 July 2015, Lika returned to Tirana after three seasons absence, signing a one-year contract.[31][32] Before the transfer, the media's started to speculating that Lika will not move to Tirana if the capital club will not pay more than half of the €30,000 debt that the club had not paid during the last time that Lika was part of Tirana.[33] During his presentation in Thursday, Lika said that "Tirana is his second home after Shkodra", by adding that "with this return, he felt like he's returning home".[34][35]

He made his return debut in the season away opener, scoring in a 2–1 win over newly promoted side Tërbuni Pukë.[36] He scored his second of the season against the same opponents later on 7 November, giving the team its second consecutive league win.[37] Lika finished his return season by making 33 league appearances, in addition 5 cup matches, scoring 3 times, including 1 in cup, as Tirana finished the season in the 5th position, remaining out of European competitions for the fourth consecutive year, collecting 53 points, 18 less the last season.[38]

On 17 July 2016, he was included in team's summer training camp in Zlatibor, Slovenia,[39] but was forced to return early in Albania due to an injury.[40] On 24 May of the following year, Lika requested not to play in the final matchday against his boyhood club Vllaznia, stating that he was not going to put Vllaznia in danger, who risked relegation along with Tirana.[41] He became the third player to do so after Elis Bakaj and Endrit Vrapi, who both refused to play against Tirana.[41] His request was accepted by club president Refik Halili.[41] Tirana didn't go more than a goalless draw and was eventually relegated to Albanian First Division for the first time in history, leaving Vllaznia as the only club never to be relegated.[42]

On 31 May, in the Albanian Cup final against Skënderbeu Korçë, Lika played the whole match as Tirana won 3–1 at extra-time after the regular time ended in a 1–1, winning the 16th Albanian Cup in history, 5th in Lika's career, becoming the most successful club.[43] Following the end of season, Lika's contract ended, and he decided not to extend it.[44]

Second Vllaznia Shkodër return

On 3 August 2017, Lika reached an agreement with Vllaznia, signing a 1+1 contract, returning in Shkodër for a second time.[45] He was presented one day later, and was handed squad number 19.[46] He was named new captain following the departure of Ndriçim Shtubina and made his third debut on 17 September in the 0–1 home loss to Teuta Durrës.[47] He opened his scoring account on 22 November by netting the opener against the bottom side Lushnja in an eventual 2–1 home win, the first after 9 matches.[48] Lika was on the score-sheet four days later as he netted a late winner against the other relegation strugglers Luftëtari Gjirokastër to give his side another three points and the second consecutive league win.[49]

International career

Lika had played for Albania under-21 since making his debut on 11 October 2005 in a match against Turkey. The match ended in a draw and although Lika started on his debut, he was subbed off in the 55th minute. He has nine appearances for under-21 side since from 2005 to 2008. Lika has also played for Albania U-19, although he only played 4 games during 23 October 2005 and 27 October 2005.

Lika made his senior international debut in a friendly against Azerbaijan on 19 November 2008 following a call up by Arie Haan. He was a 73rd-minute substitute for Klodian Duro in the 1-1 draw.[50] His first competitive cap came just a few months later against Malta where he started the game on the left of the five man midfield and helped his side to a goal less draw.[51]

Career statistics

Club
As of 2 November 2016[52][53]>[54]
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Vllaznia Shkodër 2004–05 Albanian Superliga 3000——30
2005–06 28100——281
2006–07 32200——322
2007–08 39311——304
2008–09 00003[lower-alpha 1]01[lower-alpha 2]0304
Total 10261130101077
Hacettepe 2008–09 Süper Lig 24210——252
Boluspor 2009–10 TFF First League 28310——293
Diyarbakırspor 2010–11 TFF First League 4000——40
Tirana 2010–11 Albanian Superliga 13140——171
2011–12 224002[lower-alpha 1]11[lower-alpha 2]0255
2012–13 269324[lower-alpha 1]01[lower-alpha 2]03411
Total 61147260201077
Skënderbeu Korçë 2013–14 Albanian Superliga ——2[lower-alpha 3]00020
Al-Faisaly 2013–14 Saudi Professional League 12110——131
Flamurtari Vlorë 2013–14 Albanian Superliga 16250——212
2014–15 130004[lower-alpha 1]11[lower-alpha 2]0181
Total 292504110393
Vllaznia Shkodër 2014–15 Albanian Superliga 17320——193
Tirana 2015–16 Albanian Superliga 33251——383
2016–17 1021——31
Total 34272——414
Career total 318362541524026242
  1. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  2. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
  3. All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League

International
As of 21 October 2014[55]
Albania national team
YearAppsGoals
200810
200970
201050
201140
201210
201310
201400
Total190

Honours

Club

Vllaznia Shkodër

Tirana

Flamurtari Vlorë

Individual

Albanian Superliga Player of the Month: September 2011[56]

References
  1. "Summary - Süper Lig - Results, fixtures, tables and news". Soccerway. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  2. "Boluspor vs. Mersin İdmanyurdu 2 – 1". Soccerway. 23 August 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  3. "Rizesport vs. Boluspor 2 – 1". Soccerway. 30 August 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  4. Sporti Shqiptar (15 August 2010). "Sporti Shqiptar" (in Albanian). Sporti Shqiptar. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  5. "Gilman Lika firmos për 2 vjet me Tiranën" [Gilman Lika signs for 2 years with Tirana] (in Albanian). Gazeta Start. 19 January 2011. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  6. "Dinamo Tirana 1–2 KF Tirana". Football Database. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  7. Adela Merko (8 November 2012). "Tirana jashtë kupës, tre gola në kthim s'mjaftojnë për ta përmbysur Kukësin" [Tirana out of cup, three goals in the returning leg weren't enough to overcome Kukësi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  8. Adela Merko; Leonard Karaj (6 April 2013). "Tirana thyen Skënderbeun" [Tirana breaks Skënderbeu] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  9. "Gilman Lika te Flamurtari, 50 mijë euro për kater muaj" [Gilman Lika to Flamurtari, 50 thousand euro for four months] (in Albanian). Panorama.com.al. 1 February 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  10. "Bylis Ballsh vs. Flamurtari Vlorë 0 – 0". Soccerway. 2 February 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  11. "Kukësi vs. Flamurtari Vlorë 3 – 2". Soccerway. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  12. Jorgis Memo (22 February 2014). "Kukësi mund Flamurtarin, shou i Cikalleshit. Gilman Lika: Ja pse bëra gjeste ndaj tifozëve" [Kukësi defeats Flamurtari, Cikalleshi's show. Gilman Lika: Here's why i did those gestures to the fans] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  13. "Kukësi vs. Flamurtari Vlorë 4 – 2". Soccerway. 22 March 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  14. "Flamurtari fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë" [Flamurtari wins Albanian Cup] (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  15. "Behari: Gilman Lika mbetet në Vlorë, Curri kërkon kohë" [Behari: Gilman Lika remains in Vlorë, Curri needs time] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  16. Ermal Sika (4 July 2014). "Flamurtar magjik, fitore me përmbysje në Gjeorgji. Gjoka frenon: S'ka mbaruar asgjë!" [Magic Flamurtari, a comeback win in Georgia. Gjoka curbs: Nothing's finished] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  17. "Flamurtari Vlorë vs. Sioni Bolnisi 1 – 2". Soccerway. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  18. "Flamurtari , largohet Gilman Lika" [Flamurtari , Gilman Lika leaves] (in Albanian). Citynews.al. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  19. "Vllaznia rikthen Likën, vishet kuqeblu pas 6 vitesh, ja prapaskena me kontratën" [Vllaznia brings back Lika, redressed red&blue after 6 years, here's the contract's background] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 23 January 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  20. "Rikthehet Teuta, fiton mes kontestimeve ndaj Vllaznisë" [Teuta returns, wins in the middle of controversies versus Vllaznia] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  21. "Tirana me pikë të plota nga Shkodra, Kukësi ndalet në Laç" [Tirana with full points from Shkodra, Kukësi stops in Laç] (in Albanian). Radio Kosova Elire. 8 February 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  22. "Vllaznia rikthehet tek fitorja, mposht Apoloninë 2-0" [Vllaznia returns to victory, defeats Apolonia 2-0] (in Albanian). Balkan Web. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  23. "Kukësi eliminon shkodranët, mjafton barazimi, nuk ka histori në "Zeqir Ymeri"" [Kukësi eliminated the Shkodrans, a draw is enough, there's no history at "Zeqir Ymeri"] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  24. "Në Shkodër s'ka fitues, "ringjallen" vlonjatët" [There's not winner in Shkodër, Vlonjats are "revived"] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  25. "Elbasani vs. Vllaznia Shkodër 1 – 1". Soccerway. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  26. "Vllaznia e mbyll sezonin me humbje. Vit per tu harruar" [Vllaznia finish the season with a loss. A year to forgot] (in Albanian). TV1-Channel. 23 May 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  27. "Gilman Lika: Nuk i kam thënë "jo" Tiranës e Partizanit, ja kushtet për klubin" [Gilman Lika: I haven't say "no" to Tirana and Partizani, here's the terms for the club] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  28. "Gilman Lika largohet përfundimisht nga Vllaznia" [Gilman Lika eventually leaves Vllaznia] (in Albanian). Star Plus. 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  29. "Largohet edhe Gilman Lika" [Even Gilan Lika leaves] (in Albanian). TV-Channel. 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  30. Eduard Ilnica (1 July 2015). "Gilman Lika: Ja arsyeja e largimit tim nga Vllaznia" [Gilman Lika: Here's the reason of my departure from Vllaznia] (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  31. "Gilman Lika lë Vllazninë, rivishet bardheblu" [Gilman Lika leaves Vllaznia, redresses white&blue] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 1 July 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  32. "Tirana, zyrtarizohen Dushku dhe Gilman Lika" [Tirana, formalizes Dushku and Gilman Lika] (in Albanian). MAPO. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  33. "Tirana duhet të paguajë 1.5 mln euro, nga Seferi te Pigoni…" [Tirana should pay 1.5 mln euro, from Seferi to Pigoni…] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  34. "MUKA PREZANTON DUSHKUN DHE LIKEN" [MUKA PRESENTS DUSHKU AND LIKA] (in Albanian). KF Tirana Facebook. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  35. "Gilman Lika: Tirana shtëpia ime e dytë" [Gilman Lika: Tirana is my second home] (in Albanian). Gazeta Dita. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  36. "Tirana i prish festën Tërbunit, bardheblutë fitojnë me përmbysje" [Tirana demolish Tërbuni's party, white&blues wins with a comeback] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  37. "Tirana vs. Tërbuni Pukë 3 – 0". Soccerway. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  38. "Tirana/ 18 pikë më pak se vjet, mbrojtja e hekurt "ngushëllimi" i vetëm" [Tirana/ 18 less points than last years, iron defence the only "consolation"] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  39. "Tirana niset drejt Zlatiborit atje i bashkohen lojtaret afrikane" [Tirana departs to Zlatibor, the African players will join there] (in Albanian). Shqipëria.com. 17 July 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  40. "Gilman Lika detyrohet të lërë grumbullimin e Tiranës në Zlatibor" [Gilman Lika forced to leave the Tirana's preparation in Zlatibor] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 24 July 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  41. "Sëmundje ngjitëse, edhe Vrapi e Gilman Lika refuzojnë të luajnë" [Contagious disease, Vrapi and Gilman Lika refuses to play] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  42. Rinald Bregasi (27 May 2017). "Tragjike, Tirana bie nga kategoria" [Tragical, Tirana relegated] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Archived from the original on 13 June 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  43. "Tirana fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, sezoni 2016-2017" [Tirana wins Albanian Cup, 2016-2017 season] (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 31 May 2017. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  44. ""Senatorët" nisin fushatë te Tirana, po bindin lojtarët që të qëndrojnë" ["Senators" begins campaign at Tirana, they are convincing the players to stay] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  45. "Pas Hasanit afrohet një tjetër shkodran, Vllaznia zyrtarizon Gilman Likën" [After Hasani another "shkodran" approaches, Vllaznia formalizes Gilman Lika] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  46. "Prezantohet Gilman Lika: Nuk firmosja pa pëlqimin e Cungut, s'jam unë "Mesi" që tha Shtubina" [Gilman Lika presented: I didn't like to sign without the consent of Cungu, I'm not "Messi" that Shtubina said] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  47. "Teuta mposht Vllazninë në "Loro Borici"" [Teuta defeats Vllaznia at “Loro Borici”] (in Albanian). Sport.albeu.com. 17 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  48. "Superiore, Vllaznia mposht 2-1 Lushnjen në duelin e mbijetesës" [Superliga, Vllaznia beats 2-1 Lushnja in the survival duel] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  49. Erjon Halili (26 November 2017). "Lika nderon Vllazninë, Kamza nuk diskuton Lushnjën" [Lika honours Vllaznia, Kamza does not discus Lushnja] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  50. "Azerbaijan 1-1 Albania". Football Database. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  51. "Malta 0-0 Albania". Football Database. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  52. "Albania - G. Lika - Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  53. "Football : Gilman Lika". Football DataBase. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  54. "Profile of Gilman Lika at Scoresway.com". Scoresway.com. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  55. "Gilman Lika". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman.
  56. "Shkodrani Gilman Lika më i miri i Shtatorit" (in Albanian). Shkodra Sport. 9 October 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
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