"That helped us believe" – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opens up on what Cristiano Ronaldo told him before Georgia's historic Euro 2024 win over Portugal

Napoli attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has opened up on a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Georgia's 2-0 UEFA Euro 2024 Group F win over Portugal this Wednesday (June 26).

During Georgia's final Group F clash at the Euro 2024, Kvaratskhelia netted in the second minute to send his national side's fans into jubilation. Georges Mikautadze put his side two goals in front after scoring a penalty-kick in the 57th minute of the continental contest.

After the 2-0 Euro 2024 win against Portugal, Kvaratskhelia expressed his elation and claimed that he got Ronaldo's kit. He said (h/t GOAL):

"I got Ronaldo's jersey and we've made it through to the next round. This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We've made history, no one would believe we'd make it happen. No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that's why we're a strong team... if there's even a 1% chance, we've shown we can make it happen."

Revealing what the Portugal captain told him, Kvaratskhelia added:

"Before the match, he wished me success. I'd never imagine he would come and talk to me. He's a great player and a great person. That's why he's a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he's one of the best players in the world. When he comes to talk to you before the match, that's amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today."

Kvaratskhelia, who contributed 11 goals and nine assists for Napoli last campaign, will next feature in Georgia's first-ever Euro last-16 game. His team will face Spain in their Euro 2024 clash this Sunday (June 30).

Former Ballon d'Or winner offers verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo's displays at Euro 2024

During a chat with Firstpost, ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen was asked to offer his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's sub-par outings for Portugal at the Euro 2024. He replied:

"There's nobody better on big occasions. He scores big goals. You would expect to score those goals in a huge encounter. Some people think: 'Oh, he's too old, he's too slow', or whatever they think nowadays, he’s still an incredible player. Given a chance, I would still have my money on him to score a goal."

Ronaldo, 39, is yet to score in three matches at the ongoing Euros.

Portugal, who finished atop Group F, will take on Slovenia in their last-16 match at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt next Monday (July 1).