Eran Zahavi Misses Football, Embraces New Ventures

Former Israeli football star Eran Zahavi expressed his longing for the game he left behind over a year ago, stating, "I miss football. Unequivocally. We don't need to think about what we don't have right now, to be thankful for what we have right now. The world belongs to the young," he said in a studio discussion ahead of the Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Beitar Jerusalem match.

While football remains close to his heart, Zahavi is actively pursuing new ventures, including a new padel project. "Football is always in the heart, but I am involved in other things. I am doing something that I really love. We are trying to take it a step forward and I hope we will succeed," he explained.

Analyzing the upcoming match, Zahavi noted the intensity of the rivalry between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv. "Beitar against Hapoel T.A. is always a big game. Beitar is coming under pressure, but a wounded animal is not a small trap. You don't need to make dramas out of one game. Beitar is very dangerous, Hapoel has looked good since the start of the season," he commented, admitting, "If there is something I miss in football, it is these games."

When asked about his predictions for the Champions League, Zahavi was cautious. "It's hard to pick a favorite, after a few games we will know," he said. Regarding Real Madrid, he expressed skepticism about manager Jose Mourinho's chances, stating, "I believe a little less in Jose Mourinho." Zahavi previously faced Mourinho's Chelsea in the Champions League while playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv.