Conte didn't mince his words during his press conference on the eve of their clash against Hellas Verona, announcing that the relationship between Kvaratskhelia and Napoli has come to an end.
"I answer, I have never shied away from uncomfortable questions. If I speak it is because I tell the truth, otherwise I prefer to keep silent. I don't like telling lies," he said.
"We are talking about an important player, who this summer when I spoke with the president, given that there were already the departures of Zielinski and Osimhen who had to be sold, I also wanted to have some technical certainties because then, in the end, there can be a lot of work, but you must also have quality in the players.
"I demanded that some players be confirmed and among them was Kvicha. He had asked to be transferred and he was not the only one. Because then we move on, but it is too easily forgotten.
"Six months ago I had to convince the players I considered fundamental for this project to stay, but many wanted to take other paths. Then I worked on it and I'm very happy that I managed to keep players who are happy to be here today.
'Kvara asked the club to sell him. I was told this and the player confirmed this decision. Personally, I feel great disappointment.
"I spent six months working with him, making him feel at the centre of the project. And even the existing contract was to be renewed and instead. after six months, we are back to the beginning. From my side there is great disappointment. It means that I also wasn't so incisive in convincing the two parties to move forward together.
"Today I find myself at a point where I have to take a step back, I cannot hold with chains those who do not want to stay today.
"I did it this summer, I had six months to try to convince the parties to find a solution, but that's what happened. I take a step back, it's right for the club, Kvara and his entourage to resolve the situation.
"I would never want the player to think that I vetoed it. I did it this summer, perhaps even in a presumptuous way, but seeing the results I couldn't convince him and so I have to take a step back.
"Kvara is not available for the match against Verona, clearly we are going to lose an important player".