Anan Khalaili made his second start for Crystal Palace in their 3-2 win over Fulham at the weekend.
The Israel international came close to securing a move to Inter Milan. He didn’t secure a move because the Serie A side found an irregularity in his heart rhythm during the medical.
This allowed Crystal Palace to complete the right wing-back’s signing from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on August 15th.
Three days later, his agent, Boaz Goren, said the Eagles were after him for a year. The London club were the 22-year-old’s second choice, after Inter Milan.
Why Crystal Palace win against Fulham special
On September 3rd, Anan Khalaili turned 22 years of age. After the Premier League side’s win over Fulham, he spoke to Sport1 in Israel to share his views on the result and life in London.
The Crystal Palace summer signing said no one at the club knew it was his birthday two days before the clash against Fulham.
“No one knew it was my birthday; I didn’t tell anyone. It’s so much fun to play and win an away game like this, a London derby. No one is happier than me,” he said.
The UEFA Conference League winners came from behind twice, courtesy of a brace from left wing-back, Tyrick Mitchell. Left-back Ben Chilwell replaced him in the 74th minute and scored the winner three minutes later.
On fullbacks scoring and Chilwell’s winner, Khalaili explained: “No, there wasn’t [a foul in buildup up to Chilwell’s goal]. I was involved in the play, but I didn’t set it up.”
“A goal by them is like a goal by me. I don’t care who scores; what matters is that we win. Soon I’ll score too, God willing.”
Tough Crystal Palace start
The new Eagles player has also praised Pierre Sage for his support.
“He’s a good coach, an excellent coach. I give my all in every practice and will continue to do so, and with God’s help, we’ll all keep winning games and things will be good,” he added.
Anan Khalaili played 90 minutes for Crystal Palace for the first time against Fulham. He was clearly able to notice the difference between the top leagues in Belgium and England.
“In Belgium, I’d easily play 90 minutes; today I was exhausted. It’s very hard, tough, but we deserved to win,” Khalaili said.
