Eyal Golasa Reflects on Storied Career, Calls Maccabi Tel Aviv Best Club in Israel

Veteran Israeli midfielder Eyal Golasa, 34, has announced his retirement from professional football after a career spanning over a decade. Golasa, who began his youth career at Beitar Tubruk and rose to prominence with Maccabi Haifa, is widely compared to Yossi Benayoun. His most successful period was an eight-year stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won three league titles and one state cup.

In a comprehensive interview, Golasa discussed his transition to life after football, expressing that while he misses the daily routine, he is enjoying more time with his family. The decision to retire was solidified during a training session with Maccabi Petah Tikva, where he realized his body could no longer keep up, especially after a knee injury that led to surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation.

Golasa recounted his move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, facilitated by Jordi Cruyff, despite initial hesitations and an offer from Maccabi Haifa. He also touched upon the hostile reception he sometimes faced from Maccabi Haifa fans, contrasting it with the support he received at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He praised his former coach Vladimir Ivić at PAOK Thessaloniki for his man-management skills, noting a strong connection formed when Ivić later coached him at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Reflecting on his time at Maccabi Tel Aviv, Golasa mentioned feeling an "excessive push" from fans and suggested that his limited playing time under coach Robbie Keane might have stemmed from Keane's established lineup and potential personal disconnect. Despite this, he expressed immense love for Maccabi Tel Aviv, calling it "definitely the best club to be at in the country" and crediting it with shaping him significantly.

Golasa also spoke about a near-transfer to Lazio at age 16, which ultimately fell through due to contractual issues with Maccabi Haifa, and acknowledged the pressure and ambivalent relationship he had with football throughout his career. Looking ahead, he is considering a professional role at his boyhood club, Beitar Tubruk, focusing on mentoring young players.