Former Hibs keeper Ofir Marciano has opened up on his Easter Road departure and admits the chance to join Dutch giants Feyenoord was the “next step” in his career that he was looking for.
The Israeli international is back in Scotland for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland and Hampden and was a big favourite with the Easter Road faithful during his five years in Leith.
Hibernian manager Jack Ross with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano at full time during a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian(Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
After making the decision to leave Hibs last summer, Marciano made the surprise switch to Rotterdam to join Feyenoord, and he admits he felt a “big connection” to Hibs while in Scotland which made it hard for him to uproot his family and move on.
“There is not an easy answer,” Marciano said.
“People know my history with Hibs, since the day I came to the club people treated me well and I felt a big connection to the club, the community, the fans, the culture of Hibs. Especially in the last season with the manager and the staff in terms of my life and my game.
“But to join Feyenoord, it was the next step I was looking for. I’m happy, I could’ve stayed at Hibs an amazing club, in my comfort zone and I could do well. But here I think I can be a very good keeper here and push myself to next level.”
Marciano has only made two appearances so far for the Dutch side, playing in both legs of a Europa Conference League tie against Elfsborg, but is likely to start tomorrow night against Scotland at Hampden.
The big keeper will be no stranger to many of the Scotland players – particularly the likes of Kevin Nisbet – so it will be interesting to see whether Steve Clarke looks to take advantage of that.
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