Jose Rodriguez Recounts Harrowing War Experience and Love for Israel
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Former Israeli league midfielder Jose Rodriguez described his experiences in Israel, calling it an "amazing country" despite the "very difficult things" he faced during the war. He recounted the harrowing days following the October 7th attack, detailing his family's fear and struggle to evacuate. Rodriguez also reflected on his successful career in Israel, winning championships with Maccabi Haifa and feeling deeply welcomed by Israelis, even rejecting a lucrative offer from Thailand to stay.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jose Rodriguez called Israel an "amazing country" despite enduring "very difficult things" during the war.
- He described the days after October 7th as "one of the hardest moments of my life" due to fear and evacuation struggles.
- Rodriguez won two championships with Maccabi Haifa, calling the move the "best decision of my career."
- He revealed rejecting a contract worth over a million euros annually from a Thai club.
- Rodriguez praised the hospitality he received in Israel, noting people often paid for him and gifted his son a PlayStation 5.
Spanish midfielder Jose Rodriguez, who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, shared deeply personal experiences in an interview with the Spanish podcast "Upsiders." Rodriguez, 31, described Israel as an "amazing country" and rated living there a "ten out of ten," despite enduring "very difficult things" during the war.
He recounted the harrowing days following the October 7th Hamas attack, describing it as "one of the hardest moments of my life." Rodriguez and his family experienced intense fear due to constant air raid sirens and struggled to find flights to leave the country. At one point, he suggested his wife and children leave without him, saying, "If we have to die, it's better that two die and not all of us," but his wife refused to leave him.
Rodriguez, who won two championships with Maccabi Haifa, reflected on his career in Israel, including his initial move to Maccabi Tel Aviv facilitated by Jordi Cruyff. He also spoke about his successful tenure at Maccabi Haifa, calling it the "best decision of my career," and his subsequent departure due to contract disputes. He revealed he rejected an offer of over a million euros per season from a Thai club because his wife did not want to move there, prioritizing their happy life in Israel.
His time at Hapoel Tel Aviv was cut short by the war. Despite the trauma, Rodriguez eventually returned to playing for the club before moving to Adana Demirspor in Turkey. He praised the hospitality he received in Israel, noting how people often invited him out and landlords gifted his son a PlayStation 5 upon his departure. Rodriguez reiterated his affection for Israel, calling it a place where he experienced both the best years of his career and one of the most difficult moments of his life.
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