“Fans and journalists are writing to me these days. They are asking about my health. They cheer me up. I want to thank everybody. I am very happy that they are interested in me so much”, - these are the words of Giorgi Loria which he stated in an interview with “World Sport”.
On September 11, in Georgia-Spain match Loria stood like a rock from the first till the 70th minute. He parried the most difficult balls but he got injured and left the field. Giorgi injured knee. He is examined and his issue will be found out on Friday.
“World Sport” contacted 26-year-old goalkeeper of Georgian national football team and “Dinamo” Tbilisi:
- Does it still hurt?
- Yes but less than on September 11. It hurt much while the match. I am survived.
- Is it known how many days you will not be able to practice?
- I will be told tomorrow. They will tell me answer of X-ray.
- Tell us the moment of injury.
- Alba came from left and I tried to minimize corner. Khizanishvili tried to steal and… we crashed. It is football. Everybody can get injured. Alba kicked the ball and missed. I got injured.
- We remember your good matches but it was different against Spain. How can you remember this match?
- In fact we did not have time to breathe.
- Were not you frightened?
- No. I was not even nervous. I know it is a fantastic team but they are human beings like us. I was thinking about it before the match. I thought the same before the match against Belarus.
- Which was the most difficult ball to parry against Spain? Long distance shot of Xavi or one on one of Soldado?
- Both of them were difficult to parry but when opponent is left one on one there is a little chance to survive. I will distinguish the moment of Soldado. There was an episode in the first half when Soldado changed direction of the ball and I parried it. It was the most difficult ball to parry. If it had been scored, it would not have been counted. It was offside.
- Our defense played well.
- Of course. The whole team played devotedly. We fulfilled our instruction.
- The Spanish team is full with starts but who impressed you the most?
- It is difficult to choose one but perhaps, Iniesta.
- You have held number of good matches. For example, matches of the national team in Slovenia, Croatia, “Dinamo”-AEK… We think when opponent is stronger you play better. Is it so?
- I am fully concentrated and I think, I play at Georgian Championship well. I had one or two bad matches but I estimate my play well. In matches of principle it is shown because a lot of fans came and there is different atmosphere. Sometimes, tribunes are empty.
- Some Spanish websites spread information that “Real” and “Barcelona” are interested in Loria. What do you say?
- Nobody has called me. So, I cannot say anything. It is pleasant to hear this information. “Real” and “Barcelona”… Who can refuse it. But I repeat, I have not heard anything about it.
Ilia Nanobashvili
