On the face of it, Andre Geralds’ screenplay seemed pre-written. The Portuguese defender has traveled throughout his career and has been through a host of teams in which he has failed to make a mark beyond one season. He also came to Maccabi Tel Aviv last season on loan until the end of the season, but unlike other places – he also found stability.
Years of waiting for Maccabi Tel Aviv for two dominant defenders and Geralds’ team with Enrique Sborrit as if connected by a higher power. Despite the great season he recorded, the Yellows did not continue the call and to the disappointment of the Portuguese crowd left for Cyprus. Half a year later, and after it became clear that bringing in Ben Bitton failed to fill the void, it was decided to bring back Geralds from Epoal Nicosia.
The similarities between Geralds and Seborit end not only in the champion’s wing play, but also in the two’s daily lives. While the Portuguese and Spaniards found a warm home and the yellow crowd fell in love, their families also became one piece. In an interview with ONE, she says Patricia Barush, Andre’s wife, for the hopes she had to return to Israel, the longing, the past year and the connection with Enrique and his wife Jannier.
“We are very happy to return to the country that wanted us,” began 29-year-old Barush, who lives in Bat Yam and has a two-year-old daughter. “We had happy moments here both personally and professionally and we made many friends. “As soon as we left in July, I was very sad that I had to say goodbye to Israel, but deep down there was hope that we would return.”
How was the last year?
“It was a time of many challenges, a lot of changes, happy moments alongside lesser ones but overall it was a good year. We really missed here, being in the biggest club in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv is very supportive of the players’ families and makes us feel at home. I missed the weather of Israel, the beach in Tel Aviv and the city itself and also the people who are very friendly. “
A brief look at social media reveals a close connection between the Geralds and Seborit families. While the two are starring on the grass, the couple have a lot of joint meetings and the close friendship that began last season, was reunited with her in January. “We met last season when we got here, we also live in the same area and speak the same language so the connection was natural. We formed a good relationship of a lot together. Next season? I want and hope that Enrique and Janier will stay here, it is always good to have good friends around, we have a few more friends here and it gives a good feeling. “
As mentioned, last summer, Maccabi parted ways with Geralds, who once again in their careers had to pack their belongings and go to a new destination. The next stop of the defender was Epoel Nicosia, where he passed with Noble Omar and Ben Shehar. Barush recounts the recent period: “It was an experience that did not go as well as we expected, not only professionally but also in terms of problems adapting to the city and country. “Maccabi Tel Aviv tried to bring us back, the process was not easy, but I am glad that everything went well and we are back here.”
Did you watch the Maccabi Tel Aviv games?
“Yes, we watched almost all the games, I constantly felt the support from the team and the crowd, we feel it on social media and even on the street, I constantly get messages of affection from the fans and it’s fun. I can also identify the songs, but it’s hard for me to understand because of the language. “
Meanwhile, the fans of the teams are already longing to return to the stadiums and are waiting for approval that will give them the green light to return after a year of watching from home. Barush referred to the management of the crisis here in Israel: “Although this is a complicated situation for the whole world, in Israel it is handled well and here it looks different. The vaccination program is working and I hope that very soon we will all be able to return to normal life. “