Storm's "magician"

“I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll stay”

Will he go or will Otar Kiteishvili stay?

(Bild: Pail Sepp)

He was sorely missed during Sturm's 0:1 against Salzburg: Otar Kiteishvili, for many fans still the greatest magician on the ball in the ranks of the Black & Whites. The "Krone" chatted to the neo-European Championship starter from Georgia about his finest hour, his fitness, a possible revenge against Salzburg - and of course the Causa prima, his future.

First of all: "I'm feeling better again, the injury is going in the right direction," said Kiteishvili, who has a calf injury, to the relief of the fans. Kiteishvili was substituted in the 104th minute - during Georgia's European Championship showpiece against Greece - and missed the winning penalty shoot-out. "I would have grabbed the ball," grinned Otar, who was able to enjoy the celebrations with his compatriots despite his injury. "It's this country's greatest success."

"My contract is coming to an end, so of course there are calls, options. But it's not an easy decision, Sturm is my home, the club is like a family."

Otar Kiteishvili

However, Kiteishvili's mind was quickly turned back to Austria and the Bundesliga. "I was ready for Salzburg, I was totally prepared for this match. Now this defeat hurts all the more. We may have lost an important direct duel, but we can still achieve anything." In the league - but now of course in the cup! "Last season, we beat them in the quarter-finals. We want them to have the same feeling again in the semi-finals!"

Otar in the Georgian team kit.

(Bild: APA/AFP/Vano SHLAMOV)

If they succeed, Sturm will be aiming to defend their cup title in Klagenfurt on May 1. It could be the end of Kiteishvili's journey in Graz. Because the 28-year-old number 10 is unsure whether he will take off the Sturm jersey after six years. "The contract has been negotiated, Andi Schicker is also in constant contact with my management. But I haven't decided yet whether I'll stay or not," says Otar, who has a young daughter who will soon be of kindergarten age and whom he is raising in Graz. Is another club in the running? "My contract is coming to an end, so of course there are calls and options. But it's not an easy decision, Sturm is my home, the club is like a family."