Giorgi Merebashvili, former midfielder of “Dinamo” Tbilisi, said in the conversation with Greek edition Gazzetta.gr, that goalkeeper Giorgi Loria provided information about him to Gennaro Gattuso.

“In the initial three matches OFI won only one game. During some time, Gattuso was looking for such player as I am. Loria told me about this and asked to Gattuso either. They collected information during 2 hours and the first words of Gattuso was the following: “Yes”. He is very warm person. I had an impression as if I knew him for a long time”, - said Merebashvili.

The Georgian football player noted that Loria helps him with adaptation in OFI: “I am ready for the competition in one of the best teams of the league. The main thing is that Loria is here. We grew up together in “Dinamo”, we were friends and his presence helps me”.

Merebashvili said that Israeli teams invited him, but he chose Greece: “Maccabi” Haifa, “Maccabi” Tel-Aviv and other countries teams were really interested in, but there was no agreement. Unfortunately, the Georgian football is not very well known and this prevents football players. I am glad that I am in Greece and I have three reasons for this. The first is that Loria is here. The second is presence of Gattuso, who is the legend of “Milan”. Besides, there is a high level in Greek Championship and many famous players play here. For me, it is a big step in my career, which makes me happy”.

Lasha Tabagari