Mamuka Jugeli and Badri Kvaratskhelia are in agreement: they want the Georgian international winger to leave the Italian club.
Naples and the new coach Antonio Conte consider Khvicha Kvaratskhelia indispensable. The Italian club even intends to renew the contract with the Georgian international winger, who is under contract until June 2027.
However, as published by CalcioNapoli24, Mamuka Jugeli, the player's agent, spoke on Georgian television channel Imedi, and his statements are causing controversy.
"I don't want people to think that Kvara wants to stay in Naples. We want to leave, but we will wait until the end of the European Championship so as not to disturb Khvicha. The priority is to play for a club that competes in the Champions League. The worst part is that if he stays in Naples, he will lose a year. With Conte, the club has big projects, and I am sure they will qualify for the Champions League again and fight for the Scudetto. However, that does not mean Kvaratskhelia wants to stay. I haven't talked to him about it, the most important thing now is the national team," he stated.
Badri Kvaratskhelia, the player's father, expressed the same position: "I don't want Khvicha to stay in Naples. Last year, they changed three coaches, and it is difficult to play in this situation. He has worked with four coaches in two years, and that worries me a lot, but the future will be his decision."
In light of these statements, Napoli did not remain silent and issued a statement. "Regarding the statements made by Kvaratskhelia's agent, Mamuka Jugeli, and his father, Badri, Napoli reiterates that the player has a contract for another three years with the club. Kvaratskhelia is not on the market; it is not the agents or parents who decide the future of a player contracted by Napoli, but the club! End of story," reads the note from the Italian club.
The situation has sparked significant debate among fans and analysts. Kvaratskhelia has been a key player for Napoli, contributing significantly to their recent successes. His performance has caught the eye of top European clubs, leading to speculation about his future.
Antonio Conte, who recently took over as Napoli's head coach, views Kvaratskhelia as a cornerstone of his project. Conte is known for his ability to build competitive teams and sees the Georgian winger as integral to his plans. The club's intent to renew his contract underscores their commitment to keeping him in Naples.
Despite the club's stance, the comments from Kvaratskhelia's camp suggest a different narrative. The agent's emphasis on playing in the Champions League highlights the player's ambitions on the international stage. This aspiration aligns with many top players' goals, seeking to compete at the highest levels of club football.
The friction between the player's camp and the club management could lead to a tense atmosphere as the European Championship approaches. Fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds, considering its potential impact on the team's dynamics and performance.
Moreover, the public nature of this dispute places additional pressure on both Kvaratskhelia and Napoli. The player must balance his professional commitments with his national team while navigating this controversy. On the other hand, Napoli must maintain focus on their objectives for the season amidst these distractions.
As the European Championship progresses, the outcome of this saga could shape the future for both Kvaratskhelia and Napoli. Whether the winger stays or leaves, the decisions made in the coming months will likely have long-lasting implications for all parties involved.
