In a phone call which took place this morning between Gal Alberman and national team coach, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfielder informed Eli Gutman that he is retiring from Israel’s national team and focusing on his club career.
The 32-year-old midfielder told Maccabi’s official website: “I chose to dedicate the current period of my playing career to Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and to leave the national team stage for the younger generation. I reached this decision a while ago but because I didn’t get a chance to speak with the national team coach, I kept the decision to myself. In a conversation I held with the Eli Gutman this morning, I informed him of my decision which for me sums up a period of 13 years where I was available for national team duty. It is definitely not an easy decision, especially in view of the proud moments I had wearing the national team jersey, however I feel it is the right decision for me and I will always remain a fan of Israel’s national team”.
Alberman made his senior debut under Avram Grant in the 3-2 friendly victory over Macedonia in November 2002 while his last appearance was made in November 2013 during the 3-1 defeat in Russia as part of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. Overall Alberman made 36 appearances for the senior national team scoring a single goal in the 2-1 friendly victory over Belarus at Ramat Gan.
Alberman began his international career in September 1999, for the Under 16’s for which he made 2 appearances and added 6 more appearances for the U-19’s before making 12 appearances and scoring 2 goals for the Israel U-21’s
