Antonio Conte Confirms Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Departure from Napoli

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has confirmed that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club, despite efforts to convince him to stay.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment after confirming that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has requested to leave the club. Despite efforts to persuade him to stay, the 23-year-old has opted to depart, bringing an end to his relationship with Napoli.

Conte addressed the situation during a press conference on the eve of their match against Hellas Verona. He chose not to mince his words, stating that the truth about Kvaratskhelia's departure needed to be told. Conte emphasized his commitment to honesty, saying, "I answer, I have never shied away from uncomfortable questions. If I speak, it is because I tell the truth, otherwise I prefer to keep silent. I don't like telling lies."

Conte reflected on the significance of Kvaratskhelia's departure, highlighting the importance of retaining key players. He noted that the club had already lost Zielinski and Osimhen during the summer, and he had hoped to maintain some technical consistency with Kvaratskhelia's presence. Conte's comments underscored the challenges Napoli faces in retaining its top talent.

“I demanded that some players be confirmed and among them was Kvicha. He had asked to be transferred and he was not the only one. Because then we move on, but it is too easily forgotten.

“Six months ago I had to convince the players I considered fundamental for this project to stay, but many wanted to take other paths. Then I worked on it and I'm very happy that I managed to keep players who are happy to be here today.

'Kvara asked the club to sell him. I was told this and the player confirmed this decision. Personally, I feel great disappointment.

“I spent six months working with him, making him feel at the centre of the project. And even the existing contract was to be renewed and instead. after six months, we are back to the beginning. From my side there is great disappointment. It means that I also wasn't so incisive in convincing the two parties to move forward together.

“Today I find myself at a point where I have to take a step back, I cannot hold with chains those who do not want to stay today.

“I did it this summer, I had six months to try to convince the parties to find a solution, but that's what happened. I take a step back, it's right for the club, Kvara and his entourage to resolve the situation.

“I would never want the player to think that I vetoed it. I did it this summer, perhaps even in a presumptuous way, but seeing the results I couldn't convince him and so I have to take a step back.

“Kvara is not available for the match against Verona, clearly we are going to lose an important player.”