Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former striker for Manchester City, has transitioned from the football pitch to a contentious political role as the disputed president of Georgia. In a written interview, Kavelashvili reflected on his brief but memorable time in English football and his current political standing, which has been rejected by opposition parties and the European Parliament.
Kavelashvili joined Manchester City in March 1996 for £1.4 million from Spartak Vladikavkaz, following recommendations from compatriot Giorgi Kinkladze. He arrived at a club struggling in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone. His debut came in the Manchester derby on April 6, 1996, a match Manchester City lost 3-2 to Manchester United.
"Scoring in a derby, on my debut, was a tremendous source of joy," Kavelashvili stated. He scored City's equalizer in that match, poking the ball past Peter Schmeichel to make it 1-1. However, the joy was short-lived as Manchester United quickly regained the lead. Kavelashvili believes the draw would have been a fairer result, citing several missed opportunities and costly mistakes by his team.
His time at City was marked by the club's eventual relegation from the Premier League that season. Kavelashvili expressed regret that he did not have more opportunity to influence the team's performance, suggesting that more confidence from the coach might have allowed him to contribute more.
"I remember him as a warm, nice fella," said former teammate Niall Quinn. "We called him Kav. There was a lot going on at the club, things were tense, but he was one of those forwards who worked hard."
Kavelashvili played 24 games in the second tier the following season, scoring two more goals before being loaned to Grasshoppers in Switzerland and later sold in 1999. Despite his limited impact on City's success, he holds a lasting affection for the club and its fans.
"I was deeply impressed by the fans’ attitude. I saw in them that special passion and emotion which, in my view, are eternal and unaffected by the passing of generations," he said. "Gio had told me a great deal about all of this before, but what I witnessed with my own eyes exceeded all my expectations. I would like to thank the fans and the club itself for the emotions they gave me. I am certain (they) will stay with me for the rest of my life."
His transition to politics began over a decade ago, stemming from a perceived "injustice" when football in Georgia was allegedly co-opted for political aims. Speaking out led him into the political arena.
Kavelashvili's presidency, which began in 2024, has been met with significant international and domestic opposition. The European Parliament has refused to recognize the authorities following what it described as "rigged parliamentary elections." Critics have accused him of holding pro-Russian sentiments, a charge he has denied.
Reflecting on a comment made by his former manager Frank Clark comparing him to Putin, Kavelashvili suggested that a comparison to British politicians like Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher, who navigated complex decisions and compromises, would be more apt. "They had very clear principles, but they also had to make difficult decisions in the complex world of politics and, when necessary, find compromises," he stated.
Despite the political controversies, Kavelashvili continues to follow Manchester City's current success. "As someone who once had a connection with the club, this makes me very happy," he said. He also noted that the club's earlier attempts to develop a more creative style of play under managers like Alan Ball and Francis Lee foreshadowed the approach now adopted by top teams.