Giovanni Simeone called himself ‘one more of this family’ after Napoli activated the buy option attached to his loan deal.
The 27-year-old Argentine striker joined the Partenopei last summer from Hellas Verona on a year-long loan with a €12m buy option attached, adding some extra firepower to Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
Simeone impressed in his first season in Campania, despite the limited chances available to him. Although he only saw 765 minutes of action across all competitions, he scored nine goals and proved himself a reliable backup option for star striker Victor Osimhen.
Napoli decided to make Simeone’s stay permanent and paid €12m to activate his buy option. Writing on Twitter, the Argentine striker expressed his pride at the move and reiterated his love for the club.
“From day one I had the dream and the hope that I chased as a child to feel part of a family as a footballer, to feel part of something big. I have lived every day of this season trying to give my all for this shirt. Today I am officially one of you, one more of this family.
“I will give everything to defend this shirt, I will give everything to defend this team, I will give everything to defend Napoli.”
Simeone is now contracted to Napoli until 2026 and will be hoping to continue proving himself under new coach Rudi Garcia, whose arrival has divided fans in the Campania capital.