Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: “I grew up watching Real Madrid”

Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has revealed that he grew up watching Real Madrid games on TV, ahead of the Partenopei’s huge Champions League clash against Los Blancos today.

Napoli managed to win the first group stage game against Braga by a 2-1 scoreline and while times seemed difficult a couple of weeks ago, Rudi Garcia’s side have turned things around and have won two league games in a row. Kvaratskhelia is back in form, having contributed to four goals in two Serie A clashes after a dry spell of goals and assists since March of this year.

Before the tie in Naples, Kvaratskhelia spoke to Spanish outlet AS (via TMW) and revealed his well-known admiration for Real Madrid.

“I grew up watching Real Madrid on TV and now they are my rival on the pitch and also in our stadium. It’s impossible not to be happy with an evening like this. Napoli respects everyone but doesn’t have afraid of anyone. We want to win.”

The Georgian had gone three months without scoring before scoring recently and he was asked about the barren spell and he stated:

“As a footballer, you know that you can’t always live up to what is asked of you. You have to be aware that moments like this affect you and serve to improve your game. I’m not interested in criticism: I’m only interested in helping the team, it doesn’t matter if it’s with a goal or an assist. Of course, I missed the feeling you get when you score a goal.”

Napoli have now also put the Victor Osimhen controversy behind them and look like a much more assured unit than they did two weeks ago and Real Madrid would be wary of that.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN