The dreams of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came through on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, as he received the shirt of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo swapped his jersey for the match against Georgia with Kvaratskhelia, following their Euro 2024 group meeting.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal were defeated by Georgia 2-0 in their final group game played in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Despite appearing distraught when he was withdrawn for Goncalo Ramos by manager Roberto Martinez in the 66th minute, he still created time for his admirer, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Napoli man scored the opener for Georgia in the 2nd minute, sublimely slotting home the ball after receiving a pass from Georges Mikautadze.
Mikautadze netted the second for Willy Sagnol’s side via a penalty, and that helped them to secure a spot in the last 16.
Following the encounter, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took to his Instagram story to express his delight, sharing a picture of the jersey and writing: “DREAMS” alongside a red heart emoji.
The jersey was placed close to his Man of the Match award, which he received after the Euro 2024 game against Portugal.
In a video that he shared on his Instagram story, Kvaratskhelia was seen posing for a picture, whilst donning the jersey of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Georgia will trade tackles with Spain in the last 16 at the Cologne Stadium on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo Spurred Us To Victory Over Portugal – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Says
Meanwhile, speaking after the encounter, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia indicated how Ronaldo spurred them to success in their final group fixture.
He shared that Ronaldo wished him success before the encounter and that helped them believe they could achieve something.
The 23-year-old said: “Before the match, there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success; I’d never imagine he would come and talk to me.”
Kvaratskhelia noted that he has much respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, while also labeling the Portuguese as a “great player and a great person”.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said: “He’s a great player and a great person. That’s why he’s a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“When he comes to talk to you before the match, that’s amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today.”
In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo visited Dinamo Tbilisi Academy and 11 players who passed through the academy including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were amongst the Georgian squad that played against Portugal.
Ronaldo also inaugurated the academy and it has been a conveyor belt for talents, little wonder why he is much loved by Kvaratskhelia.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia currently plays for Serie A giants Napoli and he has been linked with a potential exit from the club this summer.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Market Value And Contract Details
Kvaratskhelia’s market value is €80 million and his current contract with the Neapolitans runs until June 30, 2027, having penned a five-year deal in July 2022.
Kvaratskhelia Has Played For Which Clubs?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has represented several clubs in his career, including; Lokomotiv Moscow, Rubin Kazan, Dinamo Batumi, Dinamo Tbilisi, and now Napoli.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Career Stats
Kvaratskhelia has made 205 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 47 goals and providing 50 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been capped 33 times by Georgia and he has scored 16 goals and provided 8 assists.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Salary And Net Worth
Kvaratskhelia earns about €70,000 per week at Napoli and his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €2 million – €5 million.
