Napoli ace Kvaratskhelia was public enemy No1 before Serie A and Champions League heroics
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one of the hottest prospects in European football thanks to impressive Napoli displays - but not so long ago he and his family were subject to threats
Posted Wednesday, November 02, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk
Georgia's midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia initially seemed to be keen on staying in Russia
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is now considered one of the hottest prospects in European football, was heavily criticised back in March after 'refusing to quit' Rubin Kazan.
The 21-year-old has managed 18 goal involvements across just 16 Serie A and Champions League appearances over the past four months, having initially intended to return to Russia.
The Georgia international's family reportedly received threats after he refused to quit playing for Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan after three seasons with the club.
Kvaratskhelia had to the option to leave thanks to a FIFA ruling that suspended player contracts following the invasion of Ukraine, but he initially stayed put for which he received a stern backlash.
Keep Up reports that after the youngster joined Georgian side Dinamo Batumi on a short-term deal, that he had the intention of returning to Rubin Kazan.
However, he ended up at Napoli where he has gone on to steal the headlines across Italy and beyond, with his latest test coming against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League.
Kvaratskhelia has managed two goals and three assists across his four European outings so far this season, with a further six goals and seven assists in the league.
At international level, the wide forward has scored 10 times across his 19 Georgia caps - five times across seven games this calendar year.
Before their trip to England, Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti was asked about comparisons between his star player and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
He said: "They are two footballers who in different ways manage to make these brilliant plays, because that's what we’re talking about.
"You can play any simple ball on them and they manage to turn it into an opportunity for the team."
With Napoli and Liverpool both already through to the knockout stages of the tournament, Jurgen Klopp's Reds need to win by four clear goals.
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