There will be an explosion: the return of Eran Zehavi could provoke the Premier League
How many headlines there will be, how many episodes, how many will eulogize him and how much he will respond in silence, what fun it will be.
If Eran Zehavi returns, it is likely that his comeback will be more similar to that of Ronaldo at United, and not that of Berkowitz and Benyon to Israel.
Paz Hasdai
21/05/2022
Saturday, 21 May 2022, 09:00 Updated: 09:02
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Summary of the week in world sports (Sports 1)
All signs show their golden hair is returning.
Let me not get too excited about the reports from Brazil and the offer from Botafogo, it is unrealistic.
Although Botafogo really wants him and offers him a high salary, it is hard to believe that at this stage of their lives Shai and Eran are ready to move to Rio de Janeiro.
If in the Netherlands they did not feel safe, if in the pleasant and friendly Amsterdam they felt alienated and missed home, it is doubtful whether in an armored car or in a closed ghetto for the rich in Brazil they will find the peace they seek for the family.
There is a stage in life where children first and foremost, you just think about frameworks and stability, want to be close to grandmothers and uncles, and Zahavi has already made enough money in life to now move the family on an adventure in Brazil.
More than that, Zehavi is addicted to the Israeli experience, whether you call it an "egg" or a "party."
He's tired of wandering.
He does not like being another foreign player in the Netherlands.
He wants the looks on him.
He is addicted to the captive audience of Maccabi Tel Aviv, to the local rivals.
He misses Rishon Lezion, the guys, the kisses on the cheek, the quality fire, the special feeling of Friday afternoon.
The experience in Bloomfield in a PSV uniform reminded him of what is important in life and what he lives for, and as the mythical opening tune of "Cheers" says, sometimes you want to go to a place where everyone knows your name, and is always glad you came.
More on Walla!
"The Zehavi family is afraid to move to Rio, the situation has changed completely"
To the full article
It is doubtful whether the fear of disappointment passes through his head, but on the contrary, he loves the challenge and surrenders to it.
Gold (Photo: GettyImages, Soccrates Images)
This is of course not an easy decision, and dangerous.
Everyone remembers what happened to senior footballers who returned to Israel in old age.
Zehavi also remembers how it ended for Benyon, Berkowitz, Revivo.
Although these three have recorded a much more impressive career than Zahavi's in Europe, for him the feeling is the same: the star who has returned home, with expectations in the sky.
Luis Suarez was asked this year if he is considering returning to finish his career in Uruguay and replied: "I so appreciate the effort I put into getting to the top, and want to leave that impression, and if I return to South American football at 37-36, people will expect me to show my ability from age .
Zahavi's case is a little different.
For his part he is still as occupying as before, still running as before, and not really scared of "what will they say about me", but living for it.
He is certainly aware of the high expectations, but it is doubtful whether he has a fear of disappointment, but on the contrary, he loves the challenge and dedicates himself to it.
The more they say it is beyond its peak, the more it will only invest and rise more alert.
Unlike Benyon-Berkowitz-Revivo, who expected a soft landing and believed everything would go smoothly for them, Zahavi returns a little rougher.
It is not easy to arrive with a star feeling, and then to meet a young defender from Hapoel Hadera who does not see you from a shower and enters you on foot.
So either you get upset and mumble "what do I need this shit for," or you grit your teeth and die breaking it back.
It seems pretty clear what Zehavi's attitude is.
The key phrase is "I no longer have anything to prove."
Once an actor feels that way, the story is over.
When an athlete feels that he has already done his part, and therefore deserves to be respected and cherished even if he is currently faltering, it is better for him to retire.
Until now Zehavi's head had worked differently.
He always has something to prove.
He hears the Mizrahi Orientals of all kinds belittle him and doubt his achievements, and just wants to shut them up.
The man is driven by revenge.
He wanted to get the respect he deserved.
Benyon (Photo: Berni Ardov)
So one thing's for sure - going to be interesting.
There is no end to headlines, matters, affair.
In every field he reaches, he will receive a hostile, vicious welcome.
Great success does not make you a fan.
Hapoel Tel Aviv fans despise him.
Maccabi Haifa fans cursed him even when he was captain of the Israeli national team.
It still produces controversy, emotions.
A bit like in Ronaldo's comeback to United, he will always be the main story.
If he conquers, it's a story.
If he does not conquer it is also a story, and no less spicy.
The audience, however, is addicted to both options.
But all around, what fun it will be.
Imagine how many confrontations Zahavi will have with rival fans, how many quotes of criticism of Israeli culture, how many posts on Instagram, with allusions and emojis that we will try to decipher.
How many times will they eulogize him, get down on him, say it's over.
How many times will he run to hostile stands, with his mouth shut, a movement of silence and mouth-clogging.
When he conquers, he is the story.
When he is not conquering, he is also the story.
The audience is addicted to both options.
Ronaldo (Photo: Reuters)
Expectations from him are exaggerated.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are waiting for him like Messiah, even though their team has an infinity of other problems.
The minimum expected from him is a goal in the game and the return of the championship, everything else is a disappointment.
But going to be fun.
Because if there is anything that Israeli football should be afraid of, it is apathy, and Zahavi is just the opposite.
To some extent, he is the best thing that can happen to this league.
Not the exiles, but more the arousal, the feeling of the animals, the fun, the laughter, the mess.
Everything he missed.
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