Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says he and Napoli ‘have no limits’ and reveals Real Madrid legend Guti was his idol before Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Georgia international has had a stunning start to the season at the Stadio Maradona, helping Napoli win nine games out of 11 across all competitions this season.
He has scored six goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, delivering four assists. Quite impressive considering that he joined the club for just €10m in the summer.
“It’s a team full of great players, if we continue like this, we can aim higher than everyone thinks. Every victory was extraordinary, but we must continue to work, more and more,” the 21-year-old told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“Napoli is like a family, a united group working with dedication, we all go in the same direction, it’s a great team.
“I am working hard to improve because there are still so many things I must learn. One thing is sure: I want to reach the top. The Scudetto is a dream, the Champions League Round of 16, at this point, are a target.
“There are many top teams of a high level and for this reason, it will be tough: Milan, Inter, Juventus, Lazio, Roma, Atalanta, Fiorentina and even Udinese, who started the season well.
“I have no limits, we can grow together, hand in hand, no limits.”
Luciano Spalletti met Kvaratskhelia before his move to the club; what did he tell him?
“So many things, we met in Naples, at his home. He really is a great coach. He looks at me from the outside and tells me what I can do and what I can’t. He makes me improve, he is a master.”
Kvaratskhelia’s family joined him in Italy when he moved in the summer.
“They are with me almost all the time: my parents and my two brothers. One is older and the other one is younger, 12 years old. He also plays in Georgia with Vikings and he is really good, he is called Tornike.”
Should Napoli sign him too?
“Yes, why not?”
His girlfriend, on the other hand, has remained in Georgia.
“For now yes, she is in Georgia where she studies medicine.”
Kvara has caught the eye of many. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the club had already followed the talented winger when he was at the club, saying he is a ‘special’ player.
“It was a great emotion, he made me happy and I thank him from the bottom of my heart,” said Kvaratskhelia, who seems to have a special connection with the Merengues.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol, even if my first one was Real Madrid’s Guti. When I played in the streets of Tbilisi with my friends, I wore a white shirt, writing his name on the back.”
Although a few Napoli fans have already renamed him ‘Kvaradona’, the Georgia international has also been compared to Manchester United legend George Best.
“I am not bothered about these things,” the Napoli winger admitted.
“I think it’s tough to reach these levels. I am working for myself to be Kvara.”
Does he watch any other sports?
“Yes, Basket, NBA. Stephen Curry is my favourite player; I’ve used his celebration after my goals.”