A visibly proud Lior Refaelov spoke to the press and the media team of his own club. That pride had everything to do with how high he estimated the price, but apparently also with his son, who luckily he should not have disappointed.
“As we left for the ceremony on Wednesday, my son told me not to wake him up for school today (Thursday) if I hadn’t taken the Golden Shoe home.”
“So I think he was very proud of school today. I know how much my family has to sacrifice for my career, so I am very grateful,” said Refaelov on Antwerp’s Facebook page.
Not only his son, but many people in the Belgian football world gave it to the Israeli from Antwerp. “I received a lot of messages from coaches and chairmen from Belgium and Israel.”
“Paul Gheysens and Luciono D’Onofrio of course, but also from Michel Preud’homme, Ivan Leko, Bart Verhaeghe, Vincent Mannaert and Philippe Clement. I forget many more. Then you feel that you have achieved something great. And in Israel too. this gets a lot of attention. “
He says he can no longer count the number of interviews that Lior Refaelov has given since Wednesday evening. He calls it tiring, but also an honor and experiences it with a lot of peace and style.
Refaelov understands that in the past the Golden Boot was a sporting curse for some players because everyone looks at you even more. “Getting to the top is hard, but it’s even harder to stay there. I will focus on what I have achieved so far and hopefully it will continue to go well.”
The fact that he is the second oldest winner of the Golden Shoe – after Lorenzo Staelens – does not deter him in any case. “For me it is mainly a matter of staying mentally hungry. That is the most important thing. I also try to be physically fit, live a healthy life and get enough sleep.”
“I don’t think at the end of my career. I still feel strong and have the ambition to achieve something here in Antwerp.”
