JERUSALEM, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Yonatan Cohen has left the Israeli champions for Melbourne City FC of Australia's A-League, the two clubs announced separately on Monday.
The 28-year-old has signed for one season with an option for another, becoming the third Israeli player ever to play in the A-League, after strikers Tomer Hemed, who played for Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers, and Ben Azubel, who wore Perth Glory's uniform.
In five seasons with Maccabi, Cohen won 10 titles, including three league championships, one State Cup, three League Cups, and three Israeli Super Cups.
He played 149 matches for Maccabi, scoring 42 goals alongside 29 assists. This includes five goals in 26 matches in European club competitions.
In between, Cohen played two seasons for Pisa in Italy's second tier. He also has eight appearances for Israel's national team.
"When I heard about the opportunity to join Melbourne City, I didn't hesitate," Cohen said. "The club has a strong culture of success, and I'm confident I can bring my experience and skills to help build on that."
Melbourne City, who reached the quarterfinals of the A-League playoffs last season, will begin the upcoming new season on October 19 away at Newcastle Jets. ■
