After a great European campaign last season, it feels like Motor Zaporozhye are ready to make a big step forward in SEHA – Gazprom League as well qualifying for the final tournament in Zadar. Player in charge of almost everything that is happening in their offense is Lithuanian national team player Aidenas Malasinskas. Malasinskas was one of the best players of SEHA regular season leading his team to the top spot in Group B which is why we've decided to sit with him before their two Quarter-Final duels against Tatran Presov. It's time to meet the motor of Motor – Aidenas Malasinskas.

After a really good European season last year, is it time for Motor to reach their first SEHA Final 4 as well?

Absolutely, a good season in Europe last year has given us more confidence. We have to demonstrate that we are hungry for the big stage, even though the team is still growing after every competition and match. I still have no doubt that this is our time to shine and reach the SEHA – Gazprom League Final 4 tournament.

How did you decide to pursue a career in handball growing up in Lithuania in first place?

My decision was very logical, after all. My father has always been involved in this 'handball life'. I started off as a young spectator, almost made my first steps on the court later on taking more steps that led me to where I am today.

Lithuania has some quality players led by Aidenas Malasinskas and Jonas Truchanovicius. What is missing for us to see Lithuania on a big tournament?

I know we haven't qualified for a big tournament in a while, but I'm curious to see our chances at the EURO 2022 in Hungary and Slovakia.

You're quite calm organizing the attack, scoring a lot of goals and making your teammates better. How much did those years in Spain help you become a player you are today?

Oh, it's unbelievable that I had the opportunity to train with some of the finest specialists and, of course, players. I learned a lot in Spain, therefore it is not a coincidence to see Spaniards in big European clubs or national teams. They've had and always will have a great impact on the game which is why I owe a lot of my game today to the time spent in Spain.

Although you're at the top of your game being the key player of your team at the moment do you ever think about what you will do after your playing days are over? Are you planning to stay close to handball?

Good question. However, I'm hearing that more often than I thought I will. Let's leave my plans for the future in the future for now.

What do you see as your strengths in a matchup against Tatran? And what do you see as their main strengths?

At this point we have a big advantage, since both matches will be played in our arena. I only hope that we can use that advantage, display our best handball and get what we want – a SEHA – Gazprom League Final 4.