Video: Gai Assulin

Barcelona youngster Gai Assulin (18), had a video interview with Israeli sports channel Sport5 following his call-up to the Barcelona first team and the acquisition of his Spanish passport:

Video by: Dan R

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Agent Gai confident of player's breakthrough

Pini Zahavi, the agent of Barcelona Atlètic winger and Israeli international Gai Assulin (18), took part in a radio show on Israeli radio station Radio NonStop to talk about his client's passport and national team issues.

Asked about Gai's recent call-up for Barcelona's first team, Zahavi said: "I've been escorting Gai for a year, this is the first time he reaches the first team along with several more youngsters, he is not the only one. There were problems with his permits until he received the passport. Yesterday Pep Guardiola told him he is in the squad for the Wembley Cup and he travelled with the team.

His special qualities are extraordinary ball control with both feet, fast speed, and good game understanding. Let's not forget, he is an 18 year old kid. He will go through a lot of disappointments in his career, like anyone. If he succeeds it will prove that his skills justify his reputation and the role he is designated to, and that will be fantastic. He's a great player who will be important in Israeli football.

I believe Gai has strong character, and he could withstand the pressure. He is a huge talent, you should see how he dribbles through defenders in training and that says it all. Guardiola likes him very much, he knows how to appreciate young players with potential. He was Gai's coach in Barca B so he knows Gai well. It's not easy and you should wait and time will tell. Let's pray Gai will go far, it will be our pride when he reaches Barca's starting lineup. Barca is without a doubt the best team in the world, or at least one of the top three."

Asked the question of which national team Gai will represent now that he has a Spanish nationality, Zavahi assured listeners Gai will represent his home country: "Gai will play for the Israeli national team. Last time Barcelona forbade him to participate in a game. Next time they will realize they can't repeat it. Gai is Israeli in all senses."

transcribed by: Dan R

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Gai: "I believe one day I'll reach the first team"

Barcelona Atlètic wing attacker and Israel youth international Gai Assulin (18) gave an interview to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.





(pre-info: gai last week didn't take part in a qualifying game for the u-21 European championships against Bulgaria.)

Could you explain us why you decided not to join your international teammates?
It was a complicated and hard decision, which I made together with my familiy and especially my father. My decision not to join the national team was for professional reasons only. I had to prepare for the pre-season training with Barcelona which starts in mid-July the best way I could, which means taking time off, rest my body, cleaning my head and disconnect from football.

Last year I didn't prepare well and was late to the beginning of the training because of the trouble I've encountered with the Israeli army, and it hurt me a lot later that season. My preperation was not good and I suffered a troubling injury. I knew this time I must learn from my mistakes. This time I wanted to rest and not burden myself with physical overload and again start the pre-season in a bad way.

I apologize mainly for the way I declared I won't join. Instead of talking directly with the coach Motti Ivanir, I spoke with the team manager. I made a mistake because I know how much of a great coach Motti is, but first he is a great person. I'm sure if it was directly with him, he would understand me. I explained the people in the team that if I arrive to the training camp it would be hard for me with the preparations in Barcelona and will hurt my professional future there.

I love the national team very much and I even called before the game to wish them luck and tell Motti I would very much like to be with the team in the next game in September. But today I would make the same decision, just in another way, directly with the coach. I'm sorry mainly for that. I have no doubt any player would make the same decision I did if he was in my place. My professional future in Barcelona is important for me.

In fact, you put your own interest ahead of the national interest.
Only people in my situation can understand me. My life is in Barcelona, I'm a Barcelona player, I live and breath the football there, and I don't live in Israel. I'm aware of the criticism against me, as if I prefered my personal future over the national mission. It's justified. It sounds egocentric, but yes, first and formost I think of my future in Barcelona.

Motti already said he would recommend to ease with you and not to punish you, are you worried about the Israeli Football Association decision?
I really have no idea what the IFA will decide. I really hope they will ease on me and won't suspend me, because I love the national team. Motti was dissapointed of me, and rightly so. He was dissapointed by my handling and the way I announced that I wouldn't come. I know he was dissapointed because many kids at home see me as a role model and this is not the example I should have given them. But one must understand it was a very complicated decision and one that is hard to understand.

You are preparing for another season with Barca Atletic or are there plans to integrate you in the senior team next season already?
In two weeks I will be notified with my situation towards next season. I might spend another year in Barca Atletic, I am not rejecting the idea. Whatever the club will decide, I will accept and handle. As far as I'm concerned I will do everything to get to the senior team. This is the biggest club in the world and my dream is to play in it.

I have no thoughts of leaving for another team, whether it is to toughen up or gain experience. I'm staying in Barcelona, even if it means I will play another year with Barca Atletic. I hope very much to reach the first team and I believe one day it will happen. I wish.

Until then, you still have problems with the Israeli army, who insists to draft you.
Everything army related, my father does not share with me. He takes care of it and disconnects me from all those issues, so my head will focus only on football. I have no idea where we stand. I guess that if some problems pop-up, I will know about them, but for now my father does not involve me.

translation: Dan R


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