Yossi Benayoun moves back to Israel after a lengthy career in England
Yossi Benayoun has decided to head back to Israel after his nine year spell in England. On his return, he will rejoin his home town club Maccaba Haifi on a two-year deal, the club where he spent four seasons during his initial years.
In his last season with QPR, he made 17 appearances scoring 3 goals as helped Harry Redknapp’s side secure a return to the Premier League. Benayoun tweeted his move to Israel thanking England for 9 lovely years along with a picture collage of him in all the different jerseys of clubs that he played for over the years – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, QPR and West Ham
After his move from Israel in 2002, he played for a string of various top clubs in Spain and England. Known as “The Diamond from Dimona”, he plays in attacking midfield position just behind the striker. He is prominent for his incisive runs into the spaces behind the opponent defence line and his consistent ability to supply the ball to the strikers.
| Club | Years | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Santander | 2002-2005 | 21 | 101 |
| West Ham | 2005-2007 | 8 | 63 |
| Liverpool | 2007-2010 | 18 | 92 |
| Chelsea | 2010-2013 | 1 | 14 |
| Arsenal ( loan from Chelsea) | 2011-2012 | 4 | 19 |
| West Ham (loan from Chelsea) | 2012-2013 | 0 | 6 |
| Queens Park Rangers | 2013-2014 | 3 | 17 |
Following his move to his country, the Israeli captain will be looking to lift his hometown club Maccaba Haifi from shambles as they finished at 5th position in Isreal Premier League, 31 points behind the winners Maccaba Tel Aviv.
Benayoun told the official club website that that players and staff 'can bring back the great days of Maccabi Haifa.'