Georgi Kinkladze Reflects on His Football Career and Regrets

Throughout Wednesday, former Manchester City star Georgi Kinkladze has been interviewed regarding his tenure as a professional footballer. In this concluding segment, he reflects on the culmination of his playing career and contemplates the contemporary version of City. When asked about any regrets from his career, Kinkladze responded: “I don’t know – maybe. I can’t say right now.” Regarding his time with the Georgia national team, particularly not reaching a major tournament, Kinkladze stated: “The national team at that time had some very, very talented players. But in the 1990s we played against teams like England, Italy, France and Spain. Everybody was a world or European champion. We just passed our time. But the national team qualified for Euro 2024 and it was unbelievable. They lifted the whole country because Georgia is a football country. When they qualified against Greece, I have never seen so many grown men cry. Thirty years they waited – and they did it. I drank cha-cha [Georgian spirit] all day to celebrate!” When asked for advice for younger players, based on his career experiences, Kinkladze advised: “You have to work hard. If you have talent, but you don’t work hard then you won’t make it, because hard work always beats talent. They give everything they have every day to reach a high level.” Asked if he wished he had worked harder during his career, Kinkladze replied: “Yes, probably. But that’s life! When you finish your career you think about if you could have done more, worked harder, but it’s too late. So that’s why I tell young players to work hard, because football is a short career. You never know what might happen with injuries. Maybe you play well, then another coach comes in and changes tactics, and you don’t fit in anymore. Anything can happen. So they have to give 100% always.” Sandi Toksvig is joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi and Alan Davies Grab the mic for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry and more… Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are back for the festivities at Longleat Safari Park From micro plastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the extent of food waste at this time of year © 2024 BBC. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.