Kvaratskhelia Declines to Answer in Russian
Paris Saint-Germain footballer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia refused to respond in Russian when questioned by a Russian journalist following his team's Champions League triumph. Although he is fluent in the language, having played in Russia from 2019 to 2022, the Georgian winger chose not to use it. After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he returned to his home country.
Kvaratskhelia's Champions League Achievements
During the Champions League campaign, Kvaratskhelia appeared in 16 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists. His outstanding performances earned him the tournament's Best Player award and a spot in the Champions League Team of the Season. He was joined in that lineup by four PSG teammates:
- Marquinhos
- Nuno Mendes
- Vitinha
- Ousmane Dembélé
PSG center-back Illia Zabarnyi also commented on the team's Champions League success in the 2025/26 season. He played 15 minutes during extra time but did not take a penalty in the shootout. Meanwhile, PSG is actively exploring the possibility of signing Federico Valverde from Real Madrid. The club has already contacted Valverde's representatives, though no formal offer has been made to the Spanish giants.
When asked by a Russian journalist about his emotions after the victory, Kvaratskhelia replied:
“No, I cannot speak, sorry.”
This moment drew widespread media attention and highlighted the player's stance amid current geopolitical events.
Kvaratskhelia's refusal to speak Russian can be seen as an expression of his personal position regarding the political situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Such actions by athletes often capture public interest and can serve as powerful signals of solidarity with those affected by the conflict. Like many other sports figures, Kvaratskhelia has found himself in the spotlight not only for his athletic achievements but also for his civic stance.
In light of PSG's recent success in the Champions League, the team is already making plans for their future endeavors. Notably, they have secured a special spot for the trophy on their upcoming flight, underscoring their commitment to maintaining their winning momentum. This proactive approach reflects the club's ambitions as they look to build on their achievements.