This morning Maccabi Tel Aviv FC announced the addition of three important signings for the upcoming 2015/16 season. Defender Tal Ben Haim will return to the team and wear the yellow-and-blue, Hisense will join the club as a corporate partner and the launch of the brand new kit.
At a special press conference this morning, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC announced the return of International defender Tal Ben Haim to the club, the new corporate partnership with Hisense and launched the brand new kit for the upcoming season by Adidas made specifically for Maccabi.
Prior to the press conference CEO Martin Bain met with Tal Ben Haim to officially sign the home grown defender who is returning to the club on a two year contract.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_coKfuPVNY
"It was clear to me after speaking with Jordi that I should return home and I don't know of any player that has come back and said it was a mistake to do so. I had a terrific offer from Major League Soccer (MLS) in North America but I knew the minute I left Israel that I would come back full circle to the team I grew up with." Ben Haim who is returning to Israel after a successful International career said: "I am happy to come home. As a six year old I began my career at the club, and I knew that if I returned to play in Israel it would only be for Maccabi. I felt that now was the right time to do so for both me and the club. We had discussions in the past about coming back, but this time when I talked to Jordi Cruyff about it he was so determined to bring me back and that paved the way for my return. From what I see and from what I have heard from my friends on the Israel National Team Maccabi operates just like the best clubs in Europe with a very similar style to England."
Describing the differences between the level of play and also his personal aspirations, the defender said: "It's true that in England there is a higher level of play. While I am happy that I reached heights that I never dreamed of and that I had the opportunity to play for some of the top teams, I am also happy that I have returned to Israel to a team just like those. It's clear that Maccabi wants to continue to improve as they are bringing in new players and we will have to reach the goals that have been set for us. We all know what the goals are, to be the best team in Israel and succeed in Europe. That's what it was like 11 years ago and that's how it is now. I really missed the supporters and I have amazing memories from my championship year. I hope to finish my career at the club, but that day is far, far away."
