Shlomi Azulay joined the Yellow-and-Blue back in August after playing one year with Beitar Jerusalem. The midfielder sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with the Official Website prior to his Teddy Stadium return and facing his former club:

Joining Maccabi Tel Aviv:

“When I got the news I was in shock. Every player wants to be with the best club in Israel. I looked back at my start with Maccabi Haifa and when I played with teams in the Leumit league. When Maccabi Tel Aviv comes calling you have to listen.”

Advancing in his career:

“I spent a year with Beitar Jerusalem and it was a good season. I could have stayed and been a dominant player, but this was an opportunity for me to continue to advance and to strive to reach higher and higher levels. This was a chance to play and practice with the best players in the country.”

About his father:

“My father came with me to almost every practice, as many as he could. He became sick and it was a tough time as I was home with the family but my brothers had already moved out. I sat with my father while he was sick and we all came together to strengthen each other, but it took a lot out of all of us. After he passed away, I really focused on what he always wanted for me. Now that I’m with Maccabi Tel Aviv, I am continuing to live his dreams and that’s why I always point up to the sky in his memory. I also have the word “Abba” father on my left wrist and I kiss it as well, kind of like a prayer.”

Progressing:

“My breakthrough came when I was a bit older with the Maccabi Haifa youth team and we took a pair of championships. I was young and I wasn’t ready to jump to the top leagues just yet. But it was good that it took me some time with lower division teams and I continued my progress.”

Scoring against Hapoel Tel Aviv or Maccabi Haifa?

“Well I haven’t experienced a derby yet and they say that a Tel Aviv derby is the biggest game in the country. Maccabi Haifa was where I started as a 13-year old, took two championships and was captain of the youth side. I was disappointed how it ended, so let’s just leave it at that.”

Cafe or Bar?

“The local cafe.”

Did you sit in the front or the back of the bus?

“No question, the back of the bus. I loved the craziness and all of the noise.”

What position do you really want to play?

“Midfield. You’ve got to be intelligent and quick on your toes.”

Trip to the Golan, two weeks in Thailand or two weeks in New York?

“I’m not so much into the Golan. Thailand’s a bit more interesting but I’ll take New York.”

Which reality show would you want to take part in?

“Race for the Million. I love the challenges, it makes it interesting.”

At Beitar you were number 8 and here you’re number 16?

“I wanted to take number 8, but let’s just say it wasn’t available. It’s an iconic number. I took 8 + 8 and got 16.”

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

“I’m a shy guy. Getting more into religion and I love challenges.”