Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone doesn’t want to compare himself to his father Diego and reveals he trained during his honeymoon last summer to reach his peak.
The 26-year-old moved to the Stadio Bentegodi from Cagliari and has scored two goals in five appearances with the Gialloblu.
“I have prepared myself so much for this season. I have so much confidence in myself and my team,” Simeone told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I have faith in the idea and identity of Verona, which reflects me. I feel like I’ve been here forever.
“Director D’Amico called me and made me understand how much they wanted me. According to him, I could fit perfectly in the group and he was right.
“Last year, I wasn’t exactly on my level,” the striker continued.
“I gave myself a rule, always train and play at best. This summer I went to the Maldives on my honeymoon and I trained every day. Luckily my wife Giulia likes the gym, otherwise, she would divorce instantly.”
A few years back, Simeone said he wanted to become as strong as his father, the Atletico Madrid coach Diego. Does he have the same target now?
“No, I don’t think it anymore. I don’t feel the comparison anymore. I try to be myself and give my best. My dad remains an idol as a person.
“Some time ago, dad called me and passed me [Hernan] Crespo. He said: ‘You’re so strong, but you have to be nastier.’
“I’m not like that: I fight with honesty and respect and I get respected. But I’m not interested in being bad in that sense. I can react, never provoke.”