Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili agreed a €35m move to Liverpool in the summer, but to the surprise of many, remained at Mestalla for this season on loan. He revealed why that was to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres on Sunday night.
The two were found in conversation after Los Che were giving a comprehensive 7-1 beating by Barcelona on Sunday night, in which Torres got on the scoresheet. Mamardashvili has remained one of Valencia’s better players this season, but it’s been a tough year for all at the club.
“I had to stop one of them,” Mamardashvili says resigned.
“Well, we’re playing better now. Because we dropped points we couldn’t drop. How come you didn’t go this year?” Torres enquires.
“How come you didn’t go this year?”
“Alisson.”
A conversation between #Barca forward Ferran Torres and #VCF goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili on Sunday night, as provided by @DAZN_ES. #LFC pic.twitter.com/vU1iuJ71al https://t.co/xkvf2GIQLt
— Football España (@footballespana_) January 28, 2025
“Alisson,” Mamardashvili responds, before covering his mouth for the following part of the conversation.”
“Well, good luck!” Torres says as he hugs the giant goalkeeper.
Mamardashvili supposedly had the chance to join Bournemouth on loan this season instead of staying at Valencia, but elected to remain on the East Coast of Spain, where he is appreciated and comfortable. Despite the signing of Stole Dmitrievski, Mamardashvili has remained one of the undisputed number one.
It will be a season of growth for Mamardashvili though. After forming part of one of the more difficult to beat backlines last season, Los Che have conceded 30 goals in the 17 games he has played, allowing him to keep just 4 clean sheets. He did manage a save of the season contender earlier in the year though.
The question for the Georgian shot-stopper will be whether there is any change to the equation next season though. The 32-year-old Alisson Becker still has 2.5 years left on his deal, and unless a major offer comes in that convinces both the Brazilian and Liverpool to accept it, he looks set to continue as number one for the time being.
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