3-4 years ago many could not think that Otar Khizaneishvili would play again and would be one of the best defenders at the Georgian Championship. “Khizanei” was forgotten as a football player. He has held a good season first in “Dinamo” Tbilisi and then in “Dila” Gori.

Khizaneishvil was 17 years old when Johan Boskamp let him play for the Georgian national team. He had ups and downs, injuries, non-football problems… “World Sport” talked to Otar about all these issues:

- You managed to return to football. How did you overcome problems?

- Desire, a lot of practice and love to football. I also had doubts but I did not stop. I love football very much and it played a key role.

- How is Khizaneishvili of “Frieburg” different from today’s one?

- I could have done more before. Now I have more experience. I guess the plan of the opponent two seconds earlier.

- The contracts of all football players have expired in “Dila”. What are you going to do, will you stay in the club?

- I do not know yet. It will be found out after New Year.

- How do you think: did “Dila” have a chance against “Rapid” Vienna?

- We lost 0:4 but we were not without chance. In my opinion, the goal scored at the last minute of the first half was decisive. We had moments before and if we had scored one goal, chances would have been 50/50. We had a goal moment in Vienna as well. “Dila” lacked experience. Overall, the club played well because we beat “Aalborg” and “Hajduk”. “Dila” is one family and there is a good atmosphere in the club.

- You have played for “Dinamo” before “Dila”. Why did you leave the club?

- I am grateful for “Dinamo” that it trusted me. I played in the first circle and played better. Everybody mentioned it. Then, I got injured. Buba Tkavadze did not want me to be in “Dinamo”.

- You left the Georgian Championship in 2004. Has it changed a lot?

- I cannot say the level is higher but it is tougher to play now. When I played for “Dinamo”, we beat other clubs easily. Now it is not so. The level is equal. If infrastructure does not get better, there will be no progress.

- You have missed a lot of time. Perhaps, you wanted to return to the national team.

- I have not thought about the national team. I could not be offended with anybody. I was not ready. If I do not have a desire to play for the national team, it would be strange. I have always come here with great pleasure.

- Which is the most enjoyable match for you to remember?  

- When we beat Russia 1:0. That day I felt I was a different football player.

- And the most unpleasant match?

- It is pity to lose a match but my debut match was the worst. We were defeating Greece 1:2 in Tbilisi and were scored 2 goals in the last 5 minutes. Greece had a strong team but we did our best. I was 17 years old.

- How do you estimate the current situation in the national team?

- It will be better if they talk and find a way out. If there is not a good atmosphere, it is tough to talk about success. I am disappointed that Jaba Dvali did not have a chance to play for the national team. He is the best forward of the Georgian Championship. Levan Kobiashvili is in Bundesliga and you might watch how he played “Dortmund” several days ago. He has such a great experience. It does not matter that he is 36 years old. Everybody knows how a good person “Kobi” is.

- Was interest of “Schalke” real?

- Nobody has come to me but they called and told me it. I do not know how real it was. Kicker put me in the symbolic team of Bundesliga which does not mean a little. Unfortunately, I got injured in the match against Turkey.

- Who has been the best forward you have ever played?

- Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

- I have read your old interview where you mentioned you had a very tough childhood. Can you say why?

- There was poverty. The same food in the morning and in the evening. No electricity, no gas. Several years ago when I was not able to play football, I overcame the problems with the help of those old difficulties. Of course, some people supported me.

- Do you know what you will do when you finish your career?

- I will not become a coach. I am going to stay in football.

- Why not coach?

- It is not for me.

- Do you like young football players at the Georgian Championship? What can you say about them?

- There are many young players. Which one are you asking me about?

- For example, your teammate Giorgi Aburjania.

- He is talented and can play a good football. I also like Lasha Parunashvili and Archil Tvildiani – they were my teammates in “Dinamo”. “Zestafoni” has good defenders – Vakhtang Chanturishvili and Giorgi Chankotadze. There are other players too.

- Are you satisfied with your career? Are you disappointed that you could not do more?

- Of course, I am… I do not want young players to make my mistakes. They must work hard and use talent correctly.

Ilia Nanobashvili