Kvaratskhelia has been the key to Georgia’s success in recent times, with the 23-year-old attacker managing 15 goals in 30 games for his national team.
Georgia’s first game at Euro 2024 is against Turkey in Dortmund on June 18, and Kvaratskhelia reveals it would be a dream come true for him and every one of his countrymen.
“Being part of such an important tournament was every Georgian’s biggest dream, and it was the happiest day for all of us when we achieved it,” Kvaratskhelia told UEFA.
“But we have not come here just to participate, we want to leave our mark on EURO 2024, write a new page in history. We will do everything possible for it. Our team is very focused and prepared for this tournament.
“In Georgia, everyone is waiting for our debut. I think on June 18 we will see Georgia united as a team and try to win.”
Still in his early 20s, Kvaratskhelia is already attracting accolades as the greatest Georgian talent in football’s history.
While he embraces the responsibility his football gifts bring, the Napoli star insists Georgia’s success at the Euros will be the result of collective efforts.
“It is a very big responsibility, and I feel grateful when my work is appreciated,” Kvaratskhelia noted.
“There are many Georgian footballers who could become the best player in the country, but each of us tries to be part of a team, and individual success is less important for us at the moment. We are very focused and will do everything possible to succeed.
“For me, it is a pleasure to play EURO 2024. They are unforgettable moments and emotions that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
Kvaratskhelia added: “We have a mix of young and experienced players, and we have gotten along very well. We have become a great team capable of fighting anyone. Guram Kashia [center defender and captain] is a good example for all of us. He is more experienced and older than us, and he gives it his all every day.
“He is an example for younger players, who must work hard every day. He is a true captain and all we can say is: thank you. He is leading us and doing everything a true captain should do on and off the field.”
Georgia will be the only debutant in the EURO finals in Germany. Their task has not been made easy after they were placed in a group that also has Turkey, Portugal, and Czech Republic.
However, Kvaratskhelia maintains that the Crusaders are not in Germany just to make up the numbers.
“Preparations are at maximum intensity because our dream is almost there: the first match of the Georgian national team in a EURO.
“And we are very excited. But we are trying to control those emotions. We are preparing as best we can for the first game, which is the most important, because we will continue with the same spirit with which we started.
“Our first objective, like probably that of any other team, is to get through the group stage, and we will do everything possible to achieve this. I hope that the match ends in our favour and that we achieve our goal.”
Germany are the hosts of Wuro 2024, which is scheduled to take place from 14 June 2024 to 14 July 2024.