John Paintsil
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Ghana defender John Paintsil has arrived in Israel to join his former club Hapoel Tel-Aviv, MTNFootball.com can exclusively reveal.
The right-back arrived in the capital early Sunday morning to complete the move as a free agent after leaving English side Leicester City.
The 31-year-old will undergo a medical later in the day before he seals his return to the Reds.
He is expected to sign a one-year contract but refused to comment on the duration of the deal.
“I cannot say much about my contract, but will be okay,” Paintsil assured.
The player’s arrival was delayed for about an hour and a half as his luggage did not arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
However, Paintsil was in high spirits when he met Hapoel Tel-Aviv fans and club executives who came to the airport to meet him
“I feel great. It is always good to get home, the team helped my career a few years ago,” Paintsil said on arrival.
The defender claims he snubbed the chance to play in the English Premier League expressing his delight of returning to Israel.
“I had a chance to play Premier League, but it is always good to remember the people who helped me here in Israel,” the former Fulham defender said.
”This country gave me a lot, not only the fans, but the people of Israel gave me a lot of respect.
“I’m excited to see the red fans. They are always amazing and appreciated my abilities.
”I love them and cannot wait anymore to see them.”
Paintsil joined Hapoel Tel Aviv in the 2004/5 from city rivals Maccabi Tel – Aviv, and he was one of the favourite players of the Israeli side.
He moved to West Ham United in 2006 and then secured a move to Fulham where he helped them to reach the final of the Europa League.
Last year, he played with second tier Leicester City until his contract was mutually terminated.
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