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19.03.2008 12:22
Gai receives unexpected Israel call
Marc Guillén
Barça B Gai Assulin told Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat that he feels “surprised, nervous and very happy” to have been offered his first place in the full Israel international side.
Aged just 16, Israeli Gai Assulin may make his international debut next Wednesday in a friendly with Chile. Having learned of the news and seeing as there are no third division matches this weekend, the striker has flown to Israel to spend a few days with his family before joining the rest of Kashtan Dror’s squad. On Monday he will train with the national side for the first time as they prepare for a friendly on Wednesday against Chile in Ramat Gan.
“Dream come true”
Gai Assulin says he had not expected a call up for international duty.
“I was shocked when they told me but also very happy to join the national side because it has
always been my dream. To be with Israelis and enjoy being on the pitch will be very important, and
a great memory for me”, said the youngster.
The player is very nervous about playing for Israel, and claims that to this point he has never had to seriously consider whether he will play for Israel or for Spain. He does not have dual nationality yet, but the game with Israel is not an official encounter. Gai just wants to enjoy the experience and feels “it is nice to think that one day I might have the chance to choose,” because that would mean that he has made the grade as a professional footballer.
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A big year
Only a few months ago, Gai Assulin was playing in the Under 16s. He now fully part of Barça B and
has been named in a full international squad. He started this season playing for the Under 18 team,
but immediately got promoted to the full reserves. Under Guardiola, the Israelite has scored 7
goals and is the second highest scorer in the team. He was born in the Israeli town of Akko and
came to Barcelona four years ago.
