"Wow, I really did not expect a phone call from Israel, I'm glad they remember me there," Gary Kegelmacher opened the exclusive interview he gave to "Israel Today."
The truth?
It's hard to forget him.
The 33-year-old Uruguayan is the last player to score in Maccabi Haifa's league victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv (Eliran Atar scored earlier). It was somewhere 1,895 days ago, on October 25, 2016. More than five (!) Years. Then we started Speak.
I call you because you are the last player to score in Maccabi Haifa's victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Premier League.
"Are you serious?"
Yes yes, more than five years have passed. Although Maccabi Haifa has won the state cup, the champion of champions, but not in the league, since.
"It's just crazy. I really can not believe this figure, but if you say - I have no choice. Really did not win? Not at home either?"
No.
"Wow, I really hope they win the next game. When does that happen?"
Tomorrow (call held yesterday). Sami Ofer Stadium is already sold out and will be full of 30,000 spectators.
"I believe that this time they will do it. As far as I know, Maccabi Haifa is the best team in Israel. I also remember that they are the biggest club in Israel, like Penarol (his current team; LN) in Uruguay.
They are champions, they play at home, and I wish them success. "
You were only in Israel for one year, but beyond the goal against Maccabi Tel Aviv, you are remembered as a very quality player. What do you remember from your time here?
"Sometimes fans send me messages before games.
Maybe it was not my best decision to leave, if they loved me so much after just one season.
I feel missed in Haifa.
I had a good time, it's a club with the best conditions, the best fans, the best stadium.
My family loved it too.
When I arrived there was Tor-Christian Carlsen, he brought me in as a midfielder, and then I was placed as a stopper and a right-back, so it was not easy for me.
I had to deal with it. "
Kegelmacher dismantles Tal Ben-Haim, Photo: Alan Shiber
You left in season Sagi Luzon coached. Why, actually?
"Sometimes it's weird for me to think how good I was in Israel. I left because of the coach at the time, he did not want me. The club did not talk to me and told me 'stay', but gave back to the coach. The truth is that this is the way it should be, "I had to wait a bit, because I realized that after two months he was fired. I could have played for Maccabi Haifa until today, it is impossible to know. It is football."
At 33, the best brake in Uruguay
But after the release from Guy Luzon, Kegelmacher moved to Belgian Kortrijk.
There, too, he excelled, holding for three years, before returning to his homeland of Uruguay, where he won the title of defensive player of the season this week, at the age of 33. "It is a great honor to win this title," explains Kegelmacher. "Every year, 100 journalists are chosen as the defensive player of the year, and 85 of them chose me, that means a lot. We won two titles, our team is just great. Penarol is Uruguay's Maccabi Haifa, the biggest club that must win titles every season."
Did you feel missed at Maccabi Haifa?
"Yes. I imagine their games against 30,000 fans in the stadium - and I have a great feeling in my body. From the first moment this club helped me a lot and was always there for me. That evening when we beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 0: 2 was just amazing, after which the fans composed For me a song.
That is something I will not forget. "
Guy Luzon, Photo: Alan Schieber
The only player who played with you in the squad and who also belongs to the current team is Neta Lavie. Today he is the captain, but an injury will prevent him from playing. What do you remember from him?
"I saw Neta as a young and quiet player, but one who works hard, prepares for games professionally. He was in the squad and I knew a good future awaited him. I'm not surprised he's the captain, that says a lot about his character. I'm really happy for him."
How would you like to summarize the interview?
"In the words 'Kadima Maccabi'. I wish them success, and that they will finally win the game against Maccabi Tel Aviv."
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