Ion Nicolescu will soon complete a debut season in the Dutch Hirnebein. The Moldavian striker, who broke out in the Beitar Jerusalem uniform last season, scored 5 goals in 17 games in total, also because he suffered an injury to the abdominal muscles that forced him to be absent for several months. Next season he will be able to show his true ability, as he says in an interview with the channel the sport.
You are about to finish your first season in the Netherlands. How do you sum it up?
“It’s a new experience in a stronger league. Unfortunately, I was injured at the beginning of the season and I wasn’t able to present my 100%. I hope that next year I’ll be healthy and be able to play the whole season.”
You have been injured for a large part of the season. how are you today
“I was injured for 4 months, I went through a recovery period in a clinic in Madrid and now I feel well again.”
Are you satisfied with your place in the team and the minutes you have received so far?
“Of course not, every player wants to play as much as possible and I’m no exception. If I hadn’t been injured, things would be different now.”
What is the difference between the Israeli and Dutch leagues?
“I don’t like to compare, but what you can easily see is that football here is much more dynamic and intense.”
Are you still in touch with the people at Beitar Jerusalem?
“Yes of course, I talk to friends from there regularly.”
Nicolescu. Suffered an injury that disabled him for a long time (Getty)
What do you think of Beitar’s season?
“We are still the holders of the cup. I saw that Beitar beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 1:5 in the last game. I enjoyed watching it. I hope that next year Beitar will be stronger, reach the top playoffs and maybe win the cup again.”
Did you hear about the departure of Aboxis and the way she parted? What do you think about it?
“Yes, I saw that he left Beitar, I don’t know the reason. But I think he did a good job with us last year. We brought the trophy back to Jerusalem after many years.”
What do you think caused your explosion in Beitar Jerusalem? Why did you decide not to stay for another season?
“I always wanted to play in a strong league in Europe. When I received the offer from Hirnbein, I decided to leave.”
Did you receive offers from Israel while you were in the Netherlands? from whom?
“No. No one contacted me.”
If you don’t get enough opportunities in the Netherlands, will you consider returning to Israel?
“I’m not thinking about it right now. Next season I want to stay here to be healthy and prove that I can play in a strong league. In a few years, if they want me back in Israel – anything is possible.”
How do you compare Hirnbein fans to Beitar Jerusalem fans?
“I think that in terms of the number of spectators on average, there are more here. Every home game has at least 20,000 fans. We also have nice support here from the Ultras, but the way Beitar fans push you in the games is something special… the important thing is not to lose because In the end, some curses can come (laughs)”.
He will not forget the time in Beitar (Alan Shiver)
Maccabi Petah Tikva, a team you played for in the past made it to the final of the State Cup against Hapoel Beer Sheva, do you think they have a chance to win?
“Why not? In the final there is no better team. It’s simply a game with the trophy on the table. Both teams will give their best, but until then, don’t forget who the current holder of the trophy is.”
What do you want to convey to the Beitar fans who miss you?
“I love them very much. This was my best time in football so far. When you go to games with this beautiful crowd, it’s something special for the players. Apart from football, I received a lot of love and I felt very good. I wish them luck and achieve as many victories as possible.”
