Lithuanian international
Stankevicius has made 66 appearances for Lithuania’s national team and has played for a number of top clubs in Europe, including: Lazio Rome, Sampdoria Genoa and Brescia Calcio in Italy and FC Sevilla and FC Valencia in Spain. “Marius Stankevicius can play both as the right centre back and as right back and is certain to be a great addition to our squad with his enormous experience on an international level,” explained sporting director Dirk Dufner. “This new signings further boosts the quality and the width of our squad. Furthermore we are also trying to be considerate with Andre Hoffmann. We know that Hoffmann will return to the squad after his successful rehab and recovery from a torn cruciate ligament.”

One-year contract
Stankevicius signed a one-year contract until June 30th 2015 and will wear number 18 on his kit. “I’m convinced that we signed a very experienced and reliable player. Marius Stankevicius played for prominent teams in some of Europe’s top leagues. He is a quality player and further proved that by playing 28 games over the full distance for Gaziantespor in Turkey’s top flight last season,” said 96 manager Tayfun Korkut.

Bundesliga anticipation
“I look forward to playing in the league of the current World Champions. I played in Italy in 2006 and in 2010 I moved to Spain. Now, after Germany won the World Cup this summer, I will join the Bundesliga – it’s certainly a bit strange how things have taken its course. I hope that we can enjoy successful times together and furthermore I hope that I can contribute to their success through my performances,” said Marius Stankevicius.