Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Defender Filipenko Regrets Spain Stint, Praises Israel Salary

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv and MS Ashdod defender Igor Filipenko, who announced his retirement from football in May, reflected on his career in a recent interview with Russian media. Filipenko, a Belarusian international, stated he is currently enjoying retirement and does not miss the sport, despite being only 38. He explained that a lack of motivation, coupled with his daughter starting school, led to his decision to hang up his boots.

Filipenko expressed regret over his time at Spanish club Malaga, where he felt he was not given a proper chance to play despite his previous accolades. He described his move to Maccabi Tel Aviv as a decision driven by frustration, admitting in hindsight that he "was foolish" not to stay in Spain for another season. However, he acknowledged the significant financial benefits of playing in Israel, stating he earned nearly double what he did in Spain. He also mentioned losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in failed investments, equating the loss to a year's salary from his Israeli contract.

The defender also recalled a particularly painful match where his team led Zenit St. Petersburg 3-0, only to concede four goals in the final 15 minutes, calling the experience a "complete disaster."