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      Meet Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the ‘Georgian Maradona’ who is tearing Serie A apart for Napoli after fleeing Russia war

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      KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA has been dubbed the next Diego Maradona – and has the perfect nickname to go with it. Napoli fans did not take long to fall in love with their bargain summer signing who has endured an eventful year fleeing war, moving to “beautiful” Naples and tearing up right-backs for fun in the Champions League. 
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is proving to be an instant hit with Napoli fansCredit: AFP
      The wideman scored his first Champions League goal in the thrashing of AjaxCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old is described as “shy” off the field but makes his mark on itCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kvara7/?hl=en
      The 21-year-old scored his first goal in the competition in Napoli’s 6-1 thrashing of Ajax to take his record for the Italian giants to six goals and four assists in 11 appearances and 20 in 33 overall in 2022. 
      That includes five in eight in his first two months in Serie A – behind only Marko Arnautovic this season.
      And with his electrifying pace and sublime skill, it is no wonder his new adoring supporters are calling him Kvaradona after their iconic legend and arguably the greatest footballer of all time. 
      FITS THE TBIL
      Kvaratskhelia was born in Tbilisi, Georgia in February 2001 and is the son of former Azerbaijan international Badri Kvaratskhelia. 

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      However, despite getting into football aged eight, the new superstar insists he has never played just to keep his father happy but purely for his own love of the game. 
      It did not take him long to progress through the ranks at hometown club Dinamo Tbilisi, where he made his debut aged 16 but was soon snapped up by Rustavi, from whom he joined Lokomotiv Moscow on loan in 2019, winning the Russian Cup. 
      The 6ft ace signed a five-year permanent deal with Rubin Kazan in the Russian top flight later that same year aged 18 and made an immediate impact. 
      Kvaratskhelia’s debut season saw him collect FOUR player of the month awards, named in L’Equipe’s top 50 players born in the 21st century and his market value increase FIVE-FOLD. 
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      However, as the illegal invasion of Ukraine halted the 2021-22 season, the wizard winger was allowed to suspend his contract and returned home to Georgia, joining Dinami Batumi in March for the remainder of the campaign. 
      CAUGHT RIVALS NAP-PING
      His performances with Rubin Kazan and Georgia already had scouts across Europe sitting up and taking notice, especially at Napoli. 
      But Italy always seemed destined to be the next step – despite transfer interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.
      AC Milan was one option but Juventus were in pole position with Fabio Paratici having a deal all agreed until he left for Spurs. 
      That enabled Napoli to pounce and – with the help of two former AC Milan players, advisor Cristian Zaccardo and Kakha Kaladze – finally land Kvaratskhelia for just £9million (€10m) until 2027. 
      Kvaratskhelia was born and raised in Georgia and loves to go back to the mountainsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kvara7/?hl=en
      He is a two-time Georgian footballer of the year and already has heroic statusCredit: Reuters
      Any fears Luciano Spalletti may have had about his new left winger, who can also operate on the right or centrally, settling in were quickly eliminated – no doubt helped by the pizza lover getting his chops into a local Neapolitan. 
      Kvaratskhelia scored two and set up another on his unofficial friendly debut then became the first player in Napoli’s history to score three goals in their first two league matches as he led the Serie A golden boot race and was named player of the month for August in a scintillating start. 
      It could have been ever better for Kvaratskhelia but for the width of the post – a classy Zinedine Zidane-esque turn and rocket shot crashed against the upright and denied the youngster a goal of the season contender. 
      GOALS GALORE
      Already blessed with bags of talent, creative flair, an ability and confidence to dribble past defenders, comfortable with both feet and strong in the air, Kvaratskhelia has now added goals to his game. 
      It means he really does have no obvious weakness, a remarkable feat for someone so young and early in their career who is taking every new challenge in his stride, including dealing with 200,000 new Instagram followers in the last month.
      Kvaratskhelia is unpredictable and seems to be made to play in EuropeAlessandro Del Piero
      Spalletti, whose side sit top of the Serie A table and Group A in Europe, said: “He is able to control any ball and make it clean, he has this very shy way of doing things, he never wants to be the centre of attention, but when he plays football, he is so confident.”
      Italy hero Alessandro Del Piero added: “Watch out for Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable and talented, he seems to be made to play in Europe.”
      Since the Russian league briefly resumed in February, Kvaratskhelia cannot stop scoring.
      He grabbed one more for Rubin Kazan then eight in 11 for Batumi and now six for Napoli – plus five in seven caps for Georgia.
      His overall record for the national team is ten goals in 19 games – his double dealt Sweden a crushing blow in World Cup qualification – and five in the Nations League saw the Crusaders promoted.
      It means fans are getting very used to see his trademark celebration, making a ‘B’ with his hand under the other – a nod of dedication to a loved one back home in Georgia. 
      GRAND BUT GROUNDED
      Speaking of Georgia, that is where Kvaratskhelia still loves to return to at every opportunity and has a strong affinity with its people.
      It is said Georgian migrant workers in Naples already hail him for making them feel seen and proud in the city since his arrival. 
      Full-backs are struggling to work out how to stop the pacey wingerCredit: EPA
      Kvaratskhelia has delivered the goods for Georgia in the Nations LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Fans have seen a lot of his trademark celebration alreadyCredit: AFP
      Kvaratskhelia is, above all, a family man as the middle of three boys – his younger brother, 12, already hopes to follow in his sibling’s footballing footsteps.
      Away from the football field, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball. 
      When he does get the chance to go home, Kvaratskhelia will regularly link up with his pals on the court, trying to replicate his beloved Golden State Warriors and idol Steph Curry or head up into the mountains to unwind. 
      Kvaratskhelia is a two-time Georgian player of the year and will no doubt add a few more to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet. 
      But there are concerns for many in the country that politicians will try and use him for their own personal or party gain as a figurehead. 
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      Kvaratskhelia has already been referenced in government speeches and he has close ties with fellow ex-defender Kaladze, who is now Mayor of Tbilisi and General Secretary of the Georgian Dream political party. 
      For now, though, the focus must be on Kvaratskhelia the footballer – a very special one at that.  More

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      Antonio Conte warns Tottenham ‘need more transfer markets’ for trophies despite spending £170m in the summer

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      ANTONIO CONTE is adamant Tottenham need more transfer windows before they can challenge for the title.Spurs spent £170million on seven players in the summer but Conte feels his squad is not strong enough to compete on all fronts.
      Antonio Conte says Tottenham need more transfer windows to be competitiveCredit: AFP
      Spurs made seven signings in the summer including Fraser Forster and RicharlisonCredit: PA
      Tottenham have won just one of their three Champions League games and Conte warned that his squad is unprepared for the competition.
      Following Spurs’ goalless draw with Eintracht Frankfurt Conte said: “We weren’t able last season to face two competitions.
      “Now we have to go step by step, have patience, take time, you need to have time and to build an important squad to face a competition like the Champions League.
      “If you think ‘yeah I want to make some rotations’ and it is a bit difficult.
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      “We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well we need time and patience, to try to go step by step. I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level.
      “We know this. At the same time we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
      Summer signings Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic all started against Frankfurt and Arsenal but could not help Spurs to what would have been two big wins.
      Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence also arrived in the summer but have been unable to force their way into the team and have just one start between them.
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      Fraser Forster is in a similar situation, although he was brought in as back-up to Hugo Lloris, while left-back Destiny Udogie was signed from Udinese and loaned back to the Serie A club.
      Conte could look to improve his squad in January with the addition of a player he has managed before – Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.
      Spurs were also linked to Monaco winger Gelson Martins last month and Conte could be keen to add to his attack when the transfer window re-opens. More

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      Graham Potter hilariously mocked up as Harry Potter by Italian media as they reveal three spells to stop Chelsea

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      AN ITALIAN newspaper has hilariously mocked up Graham Potter as Harry Potter as they revealed three spells for AC Milan to stop Chelsea.The Blues are in Champions League action at Stamford Bridge tonight against the Serie A title holders.
      Graham Potter is hoping for a magic night against AC MilanCredit: PA
      Gazetta have revealed three spells for a Milan win while mocking the Blues boss up as Harry PotterCredit: Gazetta
      Potter’s side currently sit bottom of the group after failing to win either of their opening two games.
      But despite the Rossoneri taking top spot, with four points from six, it is Chelsea who remain the favourites.
      However, ahead of the clash, Gazzetta dello Sport have amusingly outlined three magic spells that Milan must produce to beat the Premier League side.
      And they decided that the best way to demonstrate them in the edition was below a shot of the Blues manager’s face over the wizard Potter while flying a broomstick.
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      Gazzetta’s masterplan for Chelsea’s downfall starts with them stopping Raheem Sterling.
      The England international, who left Man City for Stamford Bridge in the summer, has scored four goals in nine games so far for his new club.
      The second was for Milan boss Stefano Pioli, who they hailed as the magician, to unleash Rafael Leao on the wing.
      The 23-year-old Portuguese international has been in stunning form this term, also scoring four times, and will be hoping to continue that by providing the ammunition for a victory later.
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      And the final spell for Pioli to cast is for him to deploy ex-Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud alongside Charles De Ketelaere in attack.
      They believe that the duo will be able to produce the magic to take advantage of the Blues’ defensive vulnerability.
      Of course, it is not the first time that Potter has drawn comparisons with his namesake Harry.
      While still in charge of Brighton, he sported a scar under his left eye, which he revealed came from an unfortunate trip on Brighton beach while taking a walk with his wife. More

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      ‘I’m p***ed off’ – Raging Xavi slams ‘injustice’ and referee after Barcelona are denied penalty against Inter Milan

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      XAVI cried “this is an injustice” after Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan last night.The LaLiga leaders fell to third in their Champions League group following their narrow defeat at San Siro.
      Xavi was booked by the Slovenian refereeCredit: Reuters
      Denzel Dumfries clearly appeared to handball late on
      Slavko Vincic disallowed Pedri’s equaliserCredit: Getty
      Hakan Calhanoglu’s low strike into bottom corner on the stroke of half-time was enough to see Simone Inzaghi’s side grab all three points.
      Xavi, 42, was left raging by a pair of crucial VAR decisions late on.
      First, a Pedri equaliser was ruled out following an inadvertent Ansu Fati handball in the build-up – Barca arguing that goalkeeper Andre Onana touched the ball onto the winger from such close range – with their manager booked for his protestations.
      Then even more controversially, Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries appeared to get away with clearly handling in the box in the closing stages.
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      After his side’s loss, which leaves them with three points after three Group C matches, Xavi raged: “I’m p***ed off by the situation we had to live through.
      “It is an injustice, I already said yesterday that the referees would have to speak because I do not understand anything.
      “He didn’t want to give me explanations at the end of the game.”
      After getting criticisms of Slovenian whistler Slavko Vincic off his chest, Xavi added: “We now have three finals to play.
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      “We are in an uncomfortable position. They have six points, we have three, and Bayern have nine.
      “We had our chances but we couldn’t take them and they scored with a shot from distance – we knew that was one of their strengths.”
      Barcelona host Inter in Catalonia next week in a crunch rematch – before welcoming Bayern Munich on October 26.
      They will then round off their Group C campaign with a trip to Viktoria Plzen a week later, hoping to still be in the qualification mix.
      Meanwhile, they remain unbeaten in LaLiga with six wins and a draw from their opening seven matches.
      On October 16 they face rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men also having enjoyed an undefeated start.
      Hakan Calhanoglu struck Inter’s winnerCredit: Alamy More

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      Shearer instantly shoots down calls for Alexander-Arnold to be in England squad after wonder free-kick for Liverpool

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      ALAN SHEARER has shot down calls for Trent Alexander-Arnold to be in the England squad after the right-back scored a free-kick in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Rangers.Alexander-Arnold, 23, has come under fire this season for poor defensive displays, and was left out of the England squad for September’s Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany.
      Alexander-Arnold earned praise for his performance in the 2-0 win over RangersCredit: Rex
      Shearer says Trippier can do what Alexander-Arnold doesCredit: Getty
      His absence in England’s final World Cup warm-up against Germany at Wembley last Monday has raised questions over whether the Liverpool ace will be taken by Gareth Southgate to Qatar.
      But he proved why he may be a valuable option on Tuesday, scoring an emphatic free-kick in Liverpool’s Champions League group stage win over Rangers.
      Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring from a set-piece, earning rave reviews on social media.
      Journalist Henry Winter tweeted: “And that’s the quality that Gareth Southgate may leave behind when #ENG go to the World Cup.
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      “Trent Alexander-Arnold majestic free-kick. 1-0.”
      But you don’t need Alexander-Arnold when you have Kieran Trippier, according to England and Premier League legend Shearer.
      He responded, saying: “But Trippier can do that also Henry!”
      Trippier is enjoying his time at Newcastle and has proven reliable in a Three Lions shirt at the last two tournaments.
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      The 32-year-old scored a free-kick in England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018.
      He also provided the assist for Luke Shaw’s Euro 2020 final opener against Italy.
      England went on to lose on home soil at Wembley on penalties.
      Alexander-Arnold addressed the criticism after the game.
      The Premier League and Champions League winner admitted he has started the season slowly.
      He said: “No matter what, I always try to think positively.
      “People will say things but for me, it’s about going out there and performing for the team.
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      “That’s the only thing that matters is coming out here and getting the wins and helping the team win games.
      “It’s been a slow start to the season for me but I am looking forward to the rest of the season.” More

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      Frankfurt No1 Kevin Trapp who bans SEX with stunning Wag Izabel Goulart after a loss keeps clean sheet vs Tottenham

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      KEVIN TRAPP’s girlfriend Izabel Goulart will have been pleased to see her partner keep a clean sheet when Eintracht Frankfurt played Tottenham.That is because a defeat would mean a sex ban for the goalkeeper as Trapp, 32, has repeatedly refused to make love to Izabel, 37, after a bad result throughout their relationship.
      Eintracht Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp’s girlfriend Izabel Goulart made a major revelationCredit: Getty
      Kevin Trapp refuses sex with model girlfriend Izabel Goulart after a bad resultCredit: Splash News
      Izabel Goulart will have been pleased to see Eintracht Frankfurt avoid defeat to TottenhamCredit: Getty
      The former Victoria’s Secret model admitted almost four years ago that she and the famous goalie have sex “four or five times” per week.
      But no matter how hard she tries, the Brazilian model won’t get any action if the Germany international suffers a bad night on the pitch.
      Izabel said in 2018: “Kevin and I make love a lot — four or five times a week.
      “But if he has played in an important game and his team loses, I can make myself beautiful, have my nails done and wear my best lingerie – and there still won’t be any sex.”
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      Thankfully for the couple’s sex life, Trapp managed to keep a clean sheet this week against Tottenham, with his side drawing 0-0.
      It’s certainly a big improvement from Eintracht’s start to the Champions League which saw Trapp concede three goals to Sporting Lisbon.
      The draw with Spurs means Eintracht remain well in contention to progress to the knock-out phases of Europe’s elite competition.
      They find themselves on four points after three games putting them level with Spurs, who they play again next week.
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      Eintracht fans, and especially Izabel, will be hoping Trapp can keep Harry Kane and co at bay again back in London.
      Last season may have marked a beautiful period for the couple as Eintracht won the Europa League.
      Izabel Goulart admitted she and Kevin Trapp have sex “four or five times” per weekCredit: Instagram
      Izabel Goulart watched Kevin Trapp win the Europa League with Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Splash News
      Brazilian model Izabel Goulart will be especially hopeful in the Champions LeagueCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Watch Micah Richards get DESTROYED by TV presenter Kate Abdo over lack of Champions League winners’ medals

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      TOP presenter Kate Abdo took a brutal swipe at ex-Manchester City ace Micah Richards before Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures.Abdo introduced her guests at CBS Sports Golazo, which were Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Liverpool great Jamie Carragher and Richards.
      Ex-Manchester City ace Micah Richards was caught by surprise with a brutal swipe
      Kate Abdo destroyed Michah Richards over his lack of Champions League honoursCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      But the broadcaster quickly pointed out at one major difference between them and that is that only Henry and Carragher have ever won the Champions League in their career.
      Abdo said: “[I’m] Joined by the Champions League winner with Barcelona Thierry Henry, Champions League winner with Liverpool Jamie Carragher and the man with five appearances in the Champions League Micah Richards.”
      The camera then focused on Richards, who was dumbfounded by the unexpected introduction.
      Meanwhile, Henry and Carragher broke into laughter while the former defender tried to collect his words.
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      Richards responded: “That’s cold blooded that is, Kate.”
      It was later pointed out that the former England international picked up only two wins and three losses in the Champions League.
      But the 34-year-old insists City were just taking their first steps to becoming the world beaters they are today.
      Richards added: “We was a new team. For the ones that could do it now, we was building them foundations.”
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      Fans immediately took to Twitter to join in on the fun after Abdo’s quip.
      One fun tweeted: “I dunno how you recover bro.”
      Another posted: “I could watch this all night.”
      A third said: “Dead cold.”
      This fan stated: “You did him dirty.”
      And that one tweeted: “Damn Kate.” More

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      Liverpool goalscorer Alexander-Arnold given standing ovation.. but don’t bet on him making England’s World Cup squad

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD badly needed a night like this.Battered from pillar to post in a torrid start to the season, Liverpool’s beleaguered right-back was able to smile again as he received a standing ovation as he was replaced late on.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a great display as Liverpool defeated RangersCredit: Rex
      He scored a brilliant free-kick to give the Reds the lead at AnfieldCredit: Rex
      Alexander-Arnold scored an outstanding opening goal, only his 15th strike for the club, in a 2-0 win over Glasgow Rangers.
      After some disastrous performances at the back, including Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Brighton, he enjoyed some light relief defensively as the Scots showed little going forward.
      There is no doubt about Alexander-Arnold’s attacking abilities but it is his defending which has been the problem.
      After a nightmare few weeks at club level – while he also failed to get any game time with England over the international break – Alexander-Arnold needed 90 minutes to get his confidence back.
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      Before the game, former England defender Gary Neville threw his weight behind the defender and likened him to Brazilian legend Cafu.
      Neville said: The hard part of the game he’s doing. No full-back that I’ve ever seen in this country can do what he can do.
      “So if he can work on those four basic things and get those consistency elements with those things, we won’t just have one of the best attacking right-backs this country’s ever produced – we’ll probably have the best right-back the world has ever produced!
      “This is a Cafu-level of full-back. This is something unbelievably special.” 
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      Alexander-Arnold was up against Rangers winger Ryan Kent, a player who came through the ranks at Liverpool without ever making a competitive appearance.
      Yet it was Liverpool’s No 66 who made his mark in just under seven minutes with his brilliantly-weighted free-kick over the top of the Rangers wall and into the top left-hand corner. Visiting keeper Allan McGregor did not stand a chance.
      Alexander-Arnold’s only other European goal was also a free-kick in a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim in August 2017. It was Jurgen Klopp’s first ever Champions League game for Liverpool and what a journey everyone has enjoyed at the club – yet things have been a bit dodgy recently.
      Alexander-Arnold came close to creating a second but his perfect corner was met by the head of Virgil van Dijk and that steered the ball away from the waiting Diogo Jota who was ready to bounce.
      On a few occasions, Alexander-Arnold also combined well with Mo Salah who made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
      For once, Liverpool’s most criticised player this season was able to complete a game without lots of fingers pointing in his direction.
      Equally, Alexander-Arnolder knows the Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday will be a lot tougher.
      As for being selected by England for the World Cup, though, do not bet on it. More