"It was a dream I had" - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on going up against Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Georgia vs Portugal Euro 2024 clash

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has admitted it will be a dream come true when he collides with Cristiano Ronaldo in Georgia's final Euro 2024 group game against Portugal. He's set to face the five-time Ballon d'Or winner on Wednesday (June 26).

The Napoli winger spoke glowingly of Ronaldo, 39, ahead of the Group F game at Veltins-Arena. He said (via GOAL):

"He was an idol for me. I'm happy to see him on the field. It was a dream I had [to face him], and we’ll see what happens."

Georgia are desperate for a win with a point to their name after two games played. They were huge underdogs to advance from a tricky group also consisting of Turkiye and Czechia. Willy Sagnol's men can still advance with a victory against Selecao das Quinas.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are already through to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. They beat Czechia 1-0 in their opener and eased to victory with a 3-0 victory against Turkiye.

The legendary five-time UEFA Champions League winner is yet to get on the scoresheet in Germany but has impressed. He showed an unselfish side to set Bruno Fernandes up in yesterday's win against Turkiye.

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the greatest European footballer in history and is international football's all-time top scorer. Since debuting in August 2003, he's scored 130 goals and 47 assists in 209 caps.

Kvaratskhelia could miss out on facing Ronaldo if Roberto Martinez rests the Al-Nassr superstar. He could appear from the bench as he looks to get his first goal of Euro 2024.

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"He is a Madrid fan" - Kvaratskhelia's agent hinted the Georgian wants to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a Madrista.

Kvaratskhelia has long been viewed as one of Europe's most-wanted wingers, having flourished at Napoli. He's bagged 25 goals and 26 assists in 88 games across competitions for the Serie A giants.

The 31-cap Georgia international has been linked with a departure this summer. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have both been interested in signing the 23-year-old.

Kvaratskhelia would be making a brave move by joining Barca, given he's a Madrid fan at heart. His agent Mamuka Jugeli told GEOTeam YouTube channel (via TuttoMercatoWeb) last year:

"His father and I support Barcelona, but Kvara loves Real. If I saw him in a Barca shirt, I would be very happy, but he is a Madrid fan."

Kvaratskhelia could be looking to one day follow in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps. The Portuguese icon is Los Blancos' all-time top scorer and one of their all-time greats.

Given Carlo Ancelotti's attacking talent, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is unlikely. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and now Kylian Mbappe are all with Barca's El Clasico rivals.