Georgia ready to ´write a new page of history´ at Euro 2024 – Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says Georgia are ready to “leave our mark” and “write a new page of history” on their major international tournament debut at Euro 2024.

Willy Sagnol’s side, who qualified via the play-offs after beating former champions Greece on penalties, are the only debutants in Germany, where they commence their campaign against Turkiye on June 18.

The Crusaders will also play Portugal and Czechia in Group F, with Kvaratskhelia insisting he and his team-mates are not appearing in the tournament just to make up the numbers.

The Napoli winger, who helped the Partenopei to the 2022-23 Scudetto, scored four goals for Georgia during qualifying, in which he also completed the joint-most dribbles along with Belgium’s Jeremy Doku (both 44).

On being considered his nation’s talisman, the 23-year-old said: “This is a very big responsibility, and I am grateful when my work is appreciated.

#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Enp7W1rPjv

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 13, 2024

“There are a lot of Georgian footballers who could become the best player of the country; every one of us tries to be a team, and individual success is less important to us at the moment.

“We are very focused and will do our best to succeed. It’s a pleasure for me to play at Euro 2024. These are unforgettable moments and emotions which we will remember for the rest of our lives.

“It was the greatest dream of every Georgian to become a part of such an important tournament, and it was the happiest day for all of us when we achieved it.

“But we didn’t come here just to attend; we wish to leave our mark on Euro 2024, to write a new page of history. We will do our utmost for this. Our team is very focused and ready for this tournament.”

When they face Turkiye, Georgia will be aiming to become the fourth European Championship debutants since 2012 to win their maiden match at the finals after Ukraine (2012), Wales (2016) and Finland (2020).