“I am no longer asked about Haifa, here is my home now”

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Last night (Wednesday), Lior Rapalov recorded one of the highlights of an Israeli footballer overseas, when he won the most important personal award in Belgium – the Golden Shoe – the annual title given to the best player in the senior league. The relationship has also made history by becoming the first Antwerp players since 1966 to win the prestigious award.

Quietly (probably in relation to other legionnaires) Raphaelov, who left Israel for an adventure in Belgium somewhere in the summer of 2011, closes Otto for a decade in Europe – and winning the Golden Shoe puts her stamp on an outstanding career as a blue-and-white footballer. “This is my highlight moment here in Belgium, unequivocally. I knew I had a good chance of winning, but I was still stressed. I am very proud and happy,” said the happy groom.

With the win Raphaelov also broke the hegemony of Club Brugge, his ex, who boasted four consecutive victories of its players in the important title. “I also had good years in Bruges and the fans there continue to support me. But in Antwerp I got to play in my favorite position, they made me an important player here,” the Israeli said of the difference between him and the teams.

When asked how many more years he intends to continue playing, the 34-year-old Raphaelov replied: “At least another two or three years. I still have the passion. Once you do not have it – then this is the beginning of the end. In Israel I am no longer asked when I will return to Maccabi “Haifa, where I grew up. Belgium has been my home for many years. I have made all my great achievements here.”

Was he willing to swap the prestigious personal title by winning the championship with Antwerp? Here, well, Raphaelov maintained ambiguity. “I do not think it is a fair question. I have been waiting for it for so long and it is my first personal title. Let me enjoy it. I hope we can fulfill all the ambitions we have as a team as well,” the contact concluded.

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