Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says he grew up watching Real Madrid and reveals he still talks to Luciano Spalletti: ‘He keeps supporting us.’
The Georgia international will be one of the stars at the Stadio Maradona tonight when Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid visit the Serie A title holders in the second game of the Champions League group stage.
“I grew up watching Madrid on TV and now they are my rivals on the pitch, moreover in our stadium. It’s impossible not to be happy with a night like this,” Kvara told AS.
“We are a team that respects everyone but fears nobody. We are the champions of Italy and we’ll do all we can to win this game.”
The Georgian ace has repeatedly said that Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo were his idols as a kid.
“I watched and tried to imitate them, they were inspiring,” he confirmed.
“I loved the way he [Guti] treated the ball. I had been watching him for the entirety of my childhood and I would have never imagined one day he would call me to give me his shirt. We texted each other and it made me happy. It was like fulfilling the dream of the little ‘Khvicha’.”
Kvara will cross paths with another top left winger in Europe tonight, the Brazilian Vinicius Junior.
“He is an incredible talent, the best in this role,” said the Napoli star.
“It will be a great experience to play against Real Madrid’s champions. Modric, Bellingham, Kroos, I could name the entire team. We respect them so much, they are top footballers.”
Kvaratskhelia also feels a sort of connection with Vini: “Georgian footballers grow up playing in the streets, we have the same style as Brazilians,” he revealed.
“[As a kid] I continued playing in the streets after training sessions too. I went out and played with my friends. That’s where I really enjoyed myself.”
Kvara arrived in Naples in the summer of 2022 and quickly became an idol at the Stadio Maradona, contributing to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years.
“I feel the love of these people every time I take a step outside my home,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more grateful. Without them, we would not have achieved so much. The nice thing is that it’s always the same whether we play at home or away, there is always somebody from Naples with a smile and ready to show his support. They all deserve the best.”
The Partenopei won the Scudetto under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti last season and Rudi Garcia seems to be finally settling in after a tough start.
“First of all, I must thank Spalletti who believed in me and my potential,” claimed Kvaratskhelia.
“I will never have enough words to prove my gratitude. We still talk sometimes and he keeps supporting us. Rudi is a great coach, we are improving step by step, learning his tactics and vision. I am sure we’ll soon get to our best version. We are an available group with the desire to follow the coach’s ideas.”
How about Victor Osimhen? What’s his relationship with the Nigerian striker?
“Victor is a special guy, as you can see on the pitch. He is always available to help, on and off the pitch.”
Kvara also predicted Leo Messi would win the Ballon d’Or this year, but dreams of achieving the same target one day.
“It was hard to imagine all this coming from such a small town, but it makes me feel that all sacrifices are repaid when you put your soul into what you do. I dream of winning it, like everyone.”
The 22-year-old also dreams of “Lifting the Champions League and playing the Euros or the World Cup with Georgia.”
Kvaratskhelia has one goal and four assists in seven appearances across all competitions this season and his contract at the Stadio Maradona expires in June 2027.