Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reveals negotiations with Napoli lasted more than two years and admits the nickname ‘Kvaradona’ is his favourite one.
The Georgia international joined the Partenopei for barely €10m last summer, but talks with the Partenopei had begun during the COVID pandemic.
“Negotiations with Napoli lasted long, circa two years,” Kvara told DAZN.
“I was very happy that such a big club was interested in signing me and I was looking forward to wearing their shirt. I don’t know about offers from other Serie A clubs, I’ve heard some rumours, but when I received their offer, I was only focused on that.
“When I watched their games, I thought I could be perfectly integrated into their style of play. Naples is an amazing city and Napeolitans are fantastic. This city lives for football. To me, this city means love.
“Football is my life and if things go well, there is even more satisfaction. Fans will evaluate the rest.”
For now, Napoli supporters are so impressed by his performance that they’ve been calling him ‘Kvaradona.’
“It’s an honour, I have many nicknames, but surely Kvaradona is my favourite,” said the winger who is not sure of being among the best wingers in Europe yet.
“I don’t know, I train against Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who is an excellent defender, very tough. I work a lot on myself trying to become as unpredictable as possible,” he said.
Ex-Real Madrid star Guti was his idol as a kid, but then it became Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Seven is my favourite number, as well as Ronaldo’s. It’s hard to pick between him and Messi, it’s hard to remain at a high level for such a long time,” he said.
“My idol is Ronaldo but watching Messi play is always a pleasure.”
Napoli are the Serie A table leader and the only unbeaten team in Italy’s top flight. Is this the right season to finally bring the Scudetto back to town?
“I am not superstitious, but every game is crucial for us and we’ll do our best to reach the title. We surely believe in the title, every time we play, we want to win. Let’s see what will happen.”