‘Why me?’ Kvaratskhelia laments ACL injury

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was making his first start of the season in the Champions League Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Paris Saint-Germain winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has expressed his disappointment following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, saying he was not prepared for the setback.

The Georgian international spoke publicly for the first time since sustaining the injury during PSG’s UEFA Champions League match against FC Barcelona.

In a post by Fabrizio Romano on his X account on Wednesday, the PSG winger was quoted as saying, “Why me? I was not ready for this,” Kvaratskhelia said, reflecting on the injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several months.

The winger said he had always prayed to finish matches without injury but admitted that his prayers did not prevent the setback.

“Many people have asked me questions about this setback; many have said that if all the footballers in the world prayed, the match would end in a draw. That might be true, but before every match I play, I ask God to leave the field unscathed, but in vain,” he said.

Kvaratskhelia explained that the injury remained difficult to process, particularly because he had prepared thoroughly for the Barcelona encounter.

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“It hasn’t been long, but it’s still in my head – why me, actually? I’ve never missed anything, probably prepared for this game the best I’ve ever prepared. I thought I was prepared for everything, but no,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, the 25-year-old expressed his readiness to face the difficult months of rehabilitation ahead, describing the period as one that would involve hard work, pain and tears.

“I realise that God has chosen me, and if I was protecting the players on another field, I’m ready to go through these months of work, pain, and tears,” he added.

The PSG forward also vowed to return stronger, thanking supporters for standing by him during the difficult period.

“I know I have to come back stronger for my people who always support me. I won’t let you down; I promise I won’t waste a second. Thank you all for your support, see you soon,” Kvaratskhelia said.

PSG previously confirmed that the winger would undergo surgery in the coming days following the ACL rupture.