Shia Feigenbaum is one of the greatest players in the history of Hapoel Tel Aviv, and some would say that he is the greatest of them all. The king of the Reds’ goals in all their history, who played from 1964 to 1979 in the team and scored 132 goals in 368 appearances for the club (third place ever), remains an Red at heart, But he is also jarred by the manner in which his contribution to the club is valued. On the National League’s Kibbutz channel, Feigenbaum drew inspiration from what is happening in the world and made it clear that, at least for him, he deserves a statue outside of Bloomfield that will honor his contribution.
“A ceremony? It passed with the wind and it’s not something I’m really interested in. I think a statue outside the stadium will reflect my contribution,” Shia said painfully, “A ceremony is done once and you are forgotten. I was the top scorer in Hapoel Tel Aviv. I am excited to see in Barcelona and all kinds of places in Europe when I go to the games to see a statue of the legends of the club. I show my grandchildren who the big players are, but what is happening in Israel. It goes to all the players who are the biggest in the teams they played in.”
“The time has come for me to be respected. I am one who did not earn a lot of money in my career,” Shia continued, “It’s not like the players today who earn millions. I am disabled today with a disabled mark because I gave everything to the club. I suffered serious injuries. I sacrificed my body for Hapoel T.” A, and not for the money.”
“I don’t expect a statue to be built for me, I know it probably won’t happen, but if they tell me all the time that I’m a symbol and that they’re celebrating the club’s 100th year, then I think what did they give me? I went through injuries, hard things, I gave everything – what Was it given to me to cherish it? It’s not on my mind, I love the club anyway, it’s just a way to show respect.”
Hapoel Tel Aviv chose not to comment