Avi Rikan will be taking on Beitar Jerusalem, one of his former club’s on Monday night at Teddy Stadium. But before he hits the pitch he answered some of your great Facebook questions:
אתם שאלתם, אבי ריקן ענה
“Alright, you asked me some questions now it’s time for me to give you some answers.”
You played for two different teams against Basel. Which team did you have more fun with when you played them?
“For those who don’t know I played for FC Zurich in the Swiss League and also for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Champions League qualifying against Basel. It was a lot more fun with Maccabi because we advanced to the Champions League when we played them. We had two draws but we scored more away goals and we made it into Europe. It was a great feeling to be able to do that.
I also played in a match for Zurich against Basel where I scored and assisted on a goal in their stadium so that was pretty cool, but at the end of the day it was much more fun with Maccabi!”
Do you know the words for the song that the fans sing to you at the games and do you like it?
“Of course I know the song and it’s from Eyal Golan where in the original version he sings it to his mother. I know the words and my teammates also sing it to me in the lockerroom. Rikan, Avi Rikan, that’s the song.”
You can play many positions on the pitch. Which is your favorite and where do you think you help the team the most?
“You’re correct, I can play many positions and in the past I did so as well. At Maccabi, I’ve played as a midfielder and as a left back. But I have to say I prefer to play in the midfield because that is a bit more of an offensive spot and I can help out scoring and creating goals. But I’ve always said I’ll play anywheres as long as I can help the club and it doesn’t matter where. I’ll always do the maximum, but put me in the midfield!”
How does it feel to play at Maccabi Tel Aviv from both the football and professional point of view? You started in Maale Adumim, so was this the realization of a dream for you?
“I grew up at Maccabi Maale Adumim, it’s a small town near Jerusalem. It’s an honor to be able to represent my town where everybody knows each other. As I continued on the path to becoming a professional footballer more and more people from Maale Adumim got to know who I was and today almost everyone knows me. When I’m there, I always hear nice things and it’s pretty neat. I’m happy being with Maccabi and where I currently play.”
What do think about the battle for the title with Beer Sheva and do you think Maccabi is better?
“I think Beer Sheva is a very strong team this season. There are still two titles left and I’m sure they will fight for both of them right to the end. I think that Maccabi Tel Aviv is a good team as well and we will also fight for both titles. It will be close right until the end of the year.”
“Thanks for all of the questions but if I stay here and answer them all, I’ll be late for practice!”