This afternoon Maccabi Tel Aviv announced the signing of Avi Rikan to a three-year contract after undergoing a medical examination as the club reached an agreement with FC Zurich on his transfer
Just minutes after signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Avi Rikan spoke to the club's Official Website about his return to Israel, his time in Switzerland, expectations and what to look forward to.
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"I'm happy to join a big club like Maccabi Tel Aviv and it's a great feeling. Even though I played in Switzerland the last two years, as an Israeli I always kept up-to-date with the Israeli League. I saw how the club has advanced including winning all of the titles over that period of time. There are a lot of expectations but I know where I've come and I feel great about it!
Obviously the upcoming match on Tuesday is what we're all focusing on, but we can't forget that the league is going to begin soon and there are a lot of goals that we want to achieve. Maccabi Tel Aviv is club that has won so many titles including the league and Israel State Cup last year so we will have to try and keep those with us as well so I'm here to help."
Rikan talked about his time away from Israel: "Although I was in Switzerland the last two years, I'm the same height and I have the same smile. I've worked on my game and I won a Swiss Cup as well as played in the Europa League group stages. I gained a lot of experience and I know that I'm no longer a boy. I come here as a 27 year-old and I understand the expectations that the club has put on me. It's very exciting and it's a big honor that Maccabi wanted to bring me to the team and I'll have to work very, very hard to make sure I do my best."
Some of the Yellow-and-Blue players are familiar to the multi dimensional Rikan: "I played with Maccabi players in the past, when I was with Beitar Jerusalem and the Israel National Team, including Eran, Tal Ben Haim, Dor Micha whom I've gotten to know a lot better recently. Of course Gal and Yoav I know from Beitar Jerusalem. Great guys.
On having to wear number 22 and playing in front of the Maccabi faithful, Rikan explained: "I know I'm wearing number 22 but there weren't many numbers available to choose from and I'm aware that there are expectations even related to that. Every number on Maccabi Tel Aviv has a responsibility that comes with it.
I played at Bloomfield Stadium against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the past, but now I'm on the same side as the supporters and it's a great feeling. I'm looking forward to my first match"
