Israeli football star wants to acquire a club: "It's my dream"
The 37-year-old midfielder clarifies that retirement is not on the table at this stage, reveals that he has received offers from the National League, and talks about his big dream of establishing his own football club.
Idan Vered, who played last season for Maccabi Petah Tikva, does not intend to hang up his boots anytime soon. The 37-year-old attacking midfielder told 103FM in an interview that despite his age and the fact that he is at an advanced stage of his career, he still maintains his fitness, trains regularly, and is examining the options available to him ahead of the upcoming season.
"There are those who tell me on the street, 'What, that's it, you retired?'. Not yet. I am still active, still training, and still in shape. I don't know yet what I'm going to do," said Vered, clarifying that as far as he is concerned, the time to say goodbye to the pitches has not yet arrived.
According to him, in recent times he has been receiving offers from clubs in the National League, but he does not intend to join just any team. Vered emphasized that he will only play in a place where he feels he can contribute significantly and give his full ability. "Unlike in previous years, I am already thinking about retirement more deeply. I also won't go to just any club again, and not at any price. It has to be something very special," he explained.
He also has a clear plan for the day after. Vered said that his dream is to be the owner of a football club, one that will operate according to a uniform professional path in all age divisions. According to him, in the last two years he has been holding talks with various mayors, including those of Rishon LeZion, Ra'anana, Ramat HaSharon, and Rehovot, with the goal of promoting the idea. "I really want to be an owner. I want the whole club, from the seniors to the pre-A youth, to play in the same system and in the same way. I really love youth, teenagers, and children, also because of the satisfaction it gives. This is my dream, to have my own club, a modest club of course. I won't go to a huge club now," he said.
Regarding Rehovot, Vered revealed that contacts are being held to establish a new club that will operate alongside Maccabi Sha'arayim and Hapoel Marmorek and will play in the new stadium in the city. However, he clarified that despite the interest expressed by the parties, the move has not yet progressed to a practical decision.
As recalled, recently a "Big Brother" contestant completed the purchase of Maccabi HaSharon Netanya from Liga Gimel, a move that sparked great interest in the local football world. Against the backdrop of the purchase, Idan Vered's words bring back to the headlines the possibility of former footballers, businessmen, and celebrities entering into ownership of football clubs. It seems that more and more well-known figures are examining investments in existing teams or the establishment of new clubs, which makes the field a discussed topic in recent times.
