UA final gesture of reverence, a moment of reflection under the Neapolitan sky: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wanted to pay homage to Diego Armando Maradona in the beating heart of the city, the Spanish Quarters.
The space dedicated to the “Pibe de Oro” was opened just for him, a special gesture granted by the custodian of the place that symbolizes the bond between Naples and its eternal idol. Kvara, often compared to Maradona for his breathtaking dribbling and spectacular goals, thus said goodbye to the city that welcomed him as a hero.
But his future now speaks French: this afternoon he will sign with Paris Saint-Germain, closing a chapter that lasted just two and a half years but marked by a historic feat, the conquest of Napoli's third Scudetto.
In the afternoon, Kvaratskhelia visited the Castel Volturno sports center to say goodbye to his teammates. A short, intense speech, in an Italian that was not yet perfect but full of emotion. He emptied his locker, definitively leaving the place that was his sporting home. Then, he got into a van with darkened windows for the last trip from Domitiana to his residence in Naples.
A farewell with regrets and record numbers
The move to PSG is the result of an unmissable offer: ten million euros per season for the Georgian and an equally rich commission for his entourage. Napoli will collect 80 million from the sale, but the farewell leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Kvara expected a more timely contract renewal from president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who instead was slow to formulate an adequate proposal.
When Napoli's offer arrived - six million euros per year - it was already too late. PSG had put on the table an economically unattainable proposal. "More love than this," one might say: instead of waiting until June to take advantage of Article 17 of the FIFA regulations, which would have allowed him to be released without compensating the club, Kvara guaranteed Napoli a significant financial income.
The departure of Fourth has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some consider him a traitor, others recognize his contribution in bringing Napoli back to the top of Serie A. “He has given joy and great football,” many say. Now Kvara is preparing for a new challenge. In Paris, he will be the protagonist in a team that is aiming for the Champions League. It will not be easy, but the quality of the Georgian champion is beyond question.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's Napoli continues to lead the Serie A standings. If Kvaratskhelia had stayed, perhaps he could have lived another Azzurri dream. But history has taken another direction. And while Kvara looks ahead, Napoli clings to his memories. Because, as someone says, "some stories end, but remain forever in the heart."
Article published by Federica Annunziata on January 15, 2025, at 19:36 AM
