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Just prior to the return of European matches to Bloomfield Stadium, MK Tzachi Hanegbi recalls his first game at the Jaffa stadium, the promises he made and the excitement of the upcoming first official home match of the season

 Returning Home. We've Missed You.

 I remember my first match at Bloomfield Stadium, and of course in was a Tel Aviv derby. It may have been over 45 years ago but the memories are still vivid in my mind like it was only yesterday.

 On that day, the Maccabi 'keeper Haim Levine was very brave and promised a victory over our rivals and I myself made two promises; eternal love for the club and to one day wear the National Team 'keeper's jersey. For now, I've been able or keep one of those promises, however if you count the 27 years in a row that I've been the Knesset team's 'keeper then I've kept both!

During the summer of 2014, Hamas rockets prevented Maccabi from playing their Champions League Qualifying matches at home, however today, the sky's the limit as we return home to Bloomfield once again.

Just like when we played Bayern Munich in a game that was decided on a second half penalty; the unforgettable victory over the stunned Ajax; the draw against the great Juventus; or the dramatic matches against Basel, PSG, Frankfurt and Bordeaux. Tonight hopefully we'll experience another historic match for the ages!

This pitch has seen many trophies and championships including the Treble from just last season, but tonight we have to cheer on our 11 warriors with all of our heart and soul.

 The thousands of supporters that dream of Europe deserve this! Good luck!

 This is an opinion column written by MK Tzachi Hanegbi of the Likud Party, Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Chairman of the Coalition. Hanegbi has been a supporter and season ticket holder of the club for many years.