Haim Revivo Explains Son's Transfer, Criticizes Maccabi Tel Aviv

Haim Revivo, father of rising soccer player Roy Revivo and a former star himself, revealed the difficult circumstances surrounding his son's transfer to Spanish club Elche. Speaking on the "Five on Air" program, Revivo detailed his frustration with Maccabi Tel Aviv, claiming the club reneged on promises made when Roy was 18 regarding his future European aspirations. Revivo stated that Maccabi initially wanted Roy to move to one of Europe's top five leagues, but when the opportunity arose with Elche, they presented obstacles.

Revivo explained that he ultimately relinquished his own percentage of future transfer fees to facilitate the move, a decision he felt was necessary despite initial reluctance. He stated, "If I hadn't given up my percentages, Roy wouldn't have moved to Elche." He contrasted Maccabi Tel Aviv's alleged broken promises with the more player-centric approach of Yaakov Shahar at Maccabi Haifa, whom he praised for supporting players' career advancement.

Despite the challenges, Revivo expressed pride in his son's quick adaptation to Spanish football, noting Roy's immediate impact with two assists in Elche's recent 3-1 victory over Espanyol. He acknowledged the demanding nature of La Liga and the adjustment required for Roy, including language and cultural integration, but expressed optimism for Elche's season and Roy's development.

Revivo also touched upon the complexities of international transfers for Israeli players, mentioning the limited number of foreign player spots in Spanish leagues and the lack of an official written offer from Elche, which he attributed to the ongoing negotiations over transfer fees. He concluded by reflecting on his past efforts to improve youth development in Israel, believing that early investment in young players laid the groundwork for the current generation of talent.