Douglas da Silva Reflects on Career, Says He Doesn't Miss Football

Former Hapoel Tel Aviv defender Douglas da Silva, considered one of the best foreign players to play in Israel, recently appeared on the program "Yatzi Ha'itonut" (Press Box), speaking fluent Hebrew. Da Silva, who was part of Hapoel Tel Aviv's golden era that won the double and reached the Champions League group stage, is currently living in Florianópolis, Brazil.

Da Silva stated that he is not involved in football at all and is instead working in real estate, renting out properties. He admitted that he does not miss football but continues to follow Hapoel Tel Aviv, noting his disappointment with their recent derby loss. He expressed strong identification with Hapoel Tel Aviv, calling their fans the best in the world, even comparing them favorably to the crowd at Maracanã Stadium during his time with Vasco da Gama.

Reflecting on his career, da Silva named Eli Guttman as the greatest coach he played under. He found Raul the most difficult opponent in Europe, and Eitan Shechter the toughest in Israel. Da Silva identified winning the championship, the cup, and reaching the Champions League with Hapoel Tel Aviv as his career highlights. His most difficult moment was a knee injury sustained in Salzburg.

He recalled his most exciting goal as the one in his first derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which Hapoel won 1-0, and mentioned gifting a Fujicom television to Hapoel's team staff member Eli Bueno. Da Silva also praised Walid Badir as the best player he partnered with, highlighting their strong connection and how Badir guided him on the field.

Recounting the championship-winning goal in 2010, da Silva described the moment vividly, remembering the foul, his fall, and the subsequent goal scored by Zahavi, recalling it as if it happened yesterday.