Goal.com spoke with the left footed defender about his spell at Genoa and about his past at Milan.
Goal.com: What have you found in Genoa that you had lost in Milan?
Kaladze: “Life as a footballer had been difficult in the past few months. I got only a little playing time and I didn’t feel as appreciated as before. The injury was the root of all the problems and I ended up playing only ten games or so, which is too few for me. My situation has changed in Genoa. I’ve found consistency and have got back the feeling that I had lost before. I’ve found new energy in one of the most picturesque places in Italy.”
Goal.com: Tell us about the city of Genoa, and the club Genoa…
Kaladze: “Unfortunately, I know only a little of the city. I’ve been too busy with all my commitments. Now we’re moving toward the summer, it’ll be nice to discover the old centre of the city, the art palaces, the fishing villages and the Expo area. Regarding the club, Genoa have a very strong team. We have some experienced players and a few promising youngsters. The good results of the past period are not a coincidence. We initially struggled due to injuries and a change of coach, but we’ve now found our best form.”
Goal.com: What emotions did you experience at Marassi? How did you feel after your first goal there (against Parma): anger, relief or only joy?
Kaladze: “I simply felt delighted. We were going through a difficult period then and it was an important game. It’s difficult to describe my emotions. Only those who know Stadio Ferraris, with the fans sitting close to the pitch and breathing down your neck, can understand the atmosphere we’re enjoying on the pitch. I don’t think that our fans have their equals in Italy.”
Goal.com: Was Genoa-Roma the most exciting game in your career (in a positive sense)? Was it a bit like the opposite of what happened in Istanbul?
Kaladze: “True. I can’t remember having ever won after such a comeback. I lost the Champions League final in similar fashion in another incredible game. So I know how the Roma players feel. It was very satisfying for the team though. We did not deserve to fall behind like that, but we dominated after the break. It was a great game and what a day it was!”
Goal.com: Does it surprise you when I tell you that you’re the defender with the highest average rating in Serie A? Do you think you deserved another chance?
Kaladze: “I’m pleased with the way things are going and I’m not surprised. I was convinced that I could still cut it at the top level and I was determined to prove those who criticised me wrong. Some people wrote that I was past it and that I was no longer good enough. However, I’m still here. The criticism was very harsh, but it gave me strength to bounce back.”
Goal.com: Is it true that you preferred Genoa over Juventus? Why did you make this choice?
Kaladze: “There had been contact with Juventus and a transfer was possible. However, the decision wasn’t only up to me. When I got to know the president Preziosi and talked with the coach, I realised how much they really wanted to sign me. I was their top priority. They made me feel important again and convinced me with their enthusiasm. And I do not regret my choice, not even a little bit.”
Goal.com: There was some talk about a transfer to Vitesse, was there any truth in those rumours? And do you see yourself moving abroad in the future, to the MLS for example?
Kaladze: “I never received an official offer from Vitesse, so I don’t know where that came from. It’s too soon to discuss the future. All I know is that I will eventually return to Georgia to my family.”
Goal.com: You lock horns with Inter on Sunday, does it still feel like a derby for you?
Kaladze: “It’s a special game for me because we play against Inter, but it’s no personal derby. It’s normal that you’re really motivated when you take on a top team. It’s not a good thing that you’re more motivated for the big games, but that’s the way it goes. We want to bounce back from the loss against Catania. We felt like we were in charge of the game, but we ended up empty handed.”
Goal.com: Do you still have contact with some of your former teammates? Who will win the title and what’s changed since last year?
Kaladze: “I’m still in touch with most of them and we often speak. Football is pretty strange as things can change in a second. I don’t know what will happen in the title race. I can’t read the future. Milan are stronger than last year because they signed signed important players. The signing of Ibrahimovic was crucial. He’s decisive with his goals.”
Goal.com: You will pretty much help Milan to the title if you upset Inter on Sunday…
Kaladze: “It will be an exciting race right until the final game of the season. There are still several teams that can win the title. It’s very well possible that the race will be decided on the last matchday. Milan could go eight points clear if we beat Inter on Sunday. That’s a big gap, but won’t allow them to rest on their laurels. With the derby still to be played, everything can happen.”
Goal.com: What did you think when Leonardo was appointed as Inter coach?
Kaladze: “You can’t really criticise him for accepting the job if you think about it professionally. However, if we bear in mind that he has a big history with Milan, one can argue that he shouldn’t have taken the job. He was considered to be part of the Milan family. He didn’t think about the past though and switched allegiances. That’s not something that happens very often.”
Goal.com: Who will qualify from the tie between Milan and Tottenham? And from the tie between Inter and Bayern?
Kaladze: “Like I said before, I’m not a magician (smiles).”
Here is the original post:
Former Milan Defender Kakhaber Kaladze Has No Regrets Over Genoa Move