“It’s very difficult”to play football while his country is at war, but that remains “a privilege”said Israel captain Dor Peretz on Wednesday on the eve of a Nations League match against the French team in Budapest. “I think you cannot realize how difficult the situation is, when our soldiers are defending our country, that there are hostages left”said Dor Peretz.
“It is difficult but we know it is a privilege to play football, which is our domain, while our country is at war, and to give hope and happiness to our country. We are proud to be here and to represent Israel”he added.
Since the Hamas attack against the Jewish state on October 7, 2023 and the counter-offensive led by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, UEFA has banned “until further notice” the organization of matches in Israel. It is therefore in Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, supporter of Israel, that the national team plays all its games “at home”.
“Stay focused on sport”
After weakening Hamas, Israel is now waging open war in Lebanon against pro-Iranian Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian Islamist movement. “There are more important things than the game but we will do our best for our country”Peretz continued.
READ ALSO. Israel – France. Nations League match classified as risky by Hungarian authorities
For coach Ran Ben Shimon, “We are above all citizens of this country, everything that happens to it affects us in our flesh. But we have to find a balance, separate the personnel when we enter the field. Our role is to stay focused on the sport. »
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