Giovanni Simeone reveals why he chose to join Genoa and how his father Diego has helped – or at times hindered – his career.
The 21-year-old made the move to Serie A from River Plate in August for €3m and has two goals in nine Serie A appearances.
“When I arrived, I didn’t expect to improve so quickly, but in three months I’ve done a lot and it is a wonderful moment for me,” El Cholito told the Lega Serie A website.
Giovanni Simeone reveals why he chose to join Genoa and how his father Diego has helped – or at times hindered – his career.
The 21-year-old made the move to Serie A from River Plate in August for €3m and has two goals in nine Serie A appearances.
“When I arrived, I didn’t expect to improve so quickly, but in three months I’ve done a lot and it is a wonderful moment for me,” El Cholito told the Lega Serie A website.
“I knew my first year would be about settling in. What really surprised me about Serie A is the pace of the players and how quickly the game goes.
“The people in Genoa are similar to in Argentina, so I’ve already played the derby between River Plate and Boca, but also between Banfield and Lanus. It’s wonderful in Genoa to experience the week leading up to a derby, as fans stop you in the street and ask you to win.
“I try to ask more of myself and train to reach the level of Argentina’s greats one day.”
Among the ‘greats’ of football in Argentina are his father, current Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone.
“Ever since I was a kid it was not an easy situation: everyone talked about me, saying that if I did play football it was only because I was Simeone’s son. But that wasn’t the case.
“I have always been a normal guy who wanted to play football, learn and get into the first team. You cannot compare us: I am Giovanni, he is my father.”
He revealed an interesting bit of background of choosing the Genoa transfer.
“I wanted to consult my father for some advice, but he was on a plane to Australia and I couldn’t get hold of him. Instead I spoke to my aunt and she said I’d have to make a decision quickly. So I signed and I am very happy to be here.
“I’ve only been in Genoa a few months, but it feels like I’ve been here for years.”