Soccer: Arveladze pledges support to Kaladze

Rangers striker Shota Arveladze is prepared to boycott the Georgian national team in a show of support for Kakha Kaladze whose brother remains missing.

Kaladze, an international team-mate of Arveladze who plays in Italy for AC Milan, is determined his kidnapped brother should not be forgotten.

Levan Kaladze was kidnapped on May 23 last year, from the suburbs of Tbilisi.

His family received a video from the kidnappers the following day, demanding £350,000 ransom.

‘‘I have already talked to several players of our national team and we agreed that the situation around Kakha Kaladze’s brother is terrible,’’ Arveladze told PA International.

‘‘We are going to support our friend. I could ask all Georgian players not to play in Euro 2006 qualification stage matches if Levan is not freed before May 1.’’

Kakha Kaladze continues to play in Serie A, but has ruled out an imminent national team comeback.

‘‘I have not changed my mind,’’ said the defender. ‘‘I won’t play in the national team until my brother is freed.’’