Name: Ilan Abraham
Age: 42
Originally From: Paris, France
Position: Central Defender
Squad number: 26
Team He Supports: Marseille
Football Idol: Zinedine Zidane
Did You Know: Ilan is affectionately known as the ''doggy'' due to his ferocious style of defending. Beware of going into a 50-50 tackle with this canine as you may well end up getting bitten!!
''I am originally from a neighbourhood in Paris called Sarcelles, which is renowned for producing good footballers. The likes of Riyad Mahrez, Philippe Christanval and Jonathan Assous (who I played with and against many times in Israel) all came from Sarcelles, so it makes sense that I have been playing football from a very young age.
''I made Aliyah from France in January 2011 at the age of 32. Before moving to Israel, I worked in a PR company and played football at a semi-professional level in Ligue 4 and 5. After many years in my home country, I decided it was time to come here and I have now been living in Israel for nearly 10 years.
Ilan captaining our side during a Liga Gimmel league match against Hapoel Tzafririm Holon in the 2018/19 season.
''As soon as I got here, I started playing football in the Israeli Football Federation. I played in Liga Aleph (3rd division) with Maccabi Shikma Chen and in Liga Bet (4th division) with both Shikun Vatikim Ramat Gan and Beitar Ramat Gan.
''With Shikun Vatikim, I ended up playing against Inter Aliyah in Liga Gimmel (5th division) and remember some good battles on the pitch against this special team. I was always interested in joining Inter and I eventually made the switch at the start of the 2018/19 season.
''I have been playing football for over 30 years but I can definitely say that Inter Aliyah is the most special team I have been part of. The uniqueness of this all-Olim team, which combines a family atmosphere and a determination to succeed has kept me playing far longer than I expected.
''This season is even more exciting than usual, with my compatriot David Martane joining as Head Coach. I am confident that his experience and professionalism will push us to even greater heights.
''Ilan.''
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