Giovanni Simeone reveals the advice father Diego gave him about life in Serie A ahead of his transfer to Genoa.
The forward recently turned 21 and arrived from River Plate for a reported €3m.
“I am happy to be here today, as I really wanted to come to Genoa,” Simeone Jr told reporters at his presentation.
“When I had to make the decision, my father was on the flight to Australia, so I didn’t get the chance to talk to him. It was all my decision.
Giovanni Simeone reveals the advice father Diego gave him about life in Serie A ahead of his transfer to Genoa.
The forward recently turned 21 and arrived from River Plate for a reported €3m.
“I am happy to be here today, as I really wanted to come to Genoa,” Simeone Jr told reporters at his presentation.
“When I had to make the decision, my father was on the flight to Australia, so I didn’t get the chance to talk to him. It was all my decision.
“Once it was done, he said he’s very happy for me, that football here is more tactical, more physical and played at a higher pace.
“Why did I choose Genoa? Because everyone called me, from the President to the Coach and even Nicolas Burdisso, who were all very important in my choice. They made me feel wanted and it’s incredible for me to be here now.”
Simeone shrugged off his nickname of El Cholito, a smaller version of his father’s El Cholo, and is ready to follow in the footsteps of other Argentine legends in the Genoa jersey.
“There is a strong tradition of Argentine players here and I’ll do everything to grow and do well too. Serie A is the most beautiful and toughest League of all. I want to learn and am also glad the team already has many South Americans.
“I am a centre-forward who loves space, so I am not someone who plays with his back to goal. The player I am most inspired by is Mauro Icardi, as I was fortunate enough to play alongside him in the Under-20 Argentina squad. He’s a great guy, too.
“Do I have the same hunger as my father? It’s impossible to be any different, as he lives football all day, from the pitch to the dinner table.
“I’ve already been told about how passionate the Genoa Derby is, they tell me it’s similar to the one between Rosario and Newell’s Old Boys.”
Simeone always seemed to be headed for Europe, as on his wrist is the tattoo of the Champions League symbol.
Image via genoacfc.it