Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Discloses Ronaldo's Humble Gesture Towards Him During Portugal Game

• Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has opened up on meeting Cristiano Ronaldo before their Euro 2024 clash
• The Georgia midfielder starred as the minnows defeated the 2016 champions 2-0 in Group F of the competition
• Georgia progressed to the Round of 16 after the victory and will face Spain in the knockout stage of the tournament

Georgia midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was left surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's gesture before the game against Portugal at Euro 2024.

The Napoli star met his idol during the Group F game between the 2016 champions and minnows Georgia on June 26, 2024.

Kvaratskhelia excelled as Georgia defeated the Selacaos 2-0 to progress to the knockout stages of the competition in Germany.

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The 23-year-old opened the scoring early in the game before going on to produce a Man of the Match performance at the Veltins Arena in Schalke. Georges Mikautadze sealed victory with a second-half penalty.

Before the game, Ronaldo approached Kvaratskhelia and wished him luck, a gesture that left the Napoli midfielder bewildered.

“Before the game, Cristiano came and he wished me success; I never imagined he would come to talk to me. He is a great player and a great person," he said, as quoted by AS.

"That is why he is a great personality inside and outside of football; I have a lot of respect for him, he is one of the best players in the world.

"When he comes to talk to you before the game, it's for a reason; That helped us believe that we could do something today. We are tremendously proud. We have beaten a great team,” he added.

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Meanwhile, Ronaldo endured a tough night as his 50th appearance at an international competition was marred by defeat to Georgia.

Georgia will face Spain in the last 16 while Portugal engages Slovenia, per UEFA.

Ronaldo gifts Khvicha Kvaratskhelia jersey

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finally met his idol Cristiano Ronaldo after their Euro 2024 game against Portugal on June 26, 2024.

The Napoli midfielder produced a Man of the Match performance to lead Georgia to a surprising victory over the 2016 champions and advance to their first-ever knockout stage at a major tournament.

Kvaratskhelia, who has never hidden his admiration for the former Real Madrid star, exchanged jerseys with Ronaldo at the end of the game.