Yossi Benayoun admits he needed a lot of convincing to return to Israel following a successful career in England.
After helping QPR cement a return to the Premier League via the playoffs, Benayoun, 34, turned down offers to stay in England as well as America to return home after signing a two-year deal worth $1m.
"I was in two minds about coming home to Israel," he said. "I was in talks with new MLS franchise Orlando and had they offered me a two-year contract I would have gone for it.
"I had other offers in Israel, but Haifa always had first refusal."
Benayoun left Haifa in 2002 for a European career with Racing Santander in Spain and then nine years in England from 2005 with West Ham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and QPR.
He rejoins a Haifa team that finished fifth last season and failed to qualify for Europe, but will be boosted by moving into the newly built 31,000-seat Sammy Ofer Stadium in August.
"I'm really glad to be wearing green again and I believe we will bring back the glory days to Haifa," he said.
"I'm a bit fearful about playing in Israel again, but I've really missed the Haifa fans and I'm sure it'll work out fine."
Haifa has also offered Benayoun a coaching role when he decides to hang up his boots and the club are also in talks with Standard Liege defender and former Premier League star Tal Ben Haim.
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