Napoli striker Giovanni Simeone reveals the advice his father Diego gave him against Real Madrid and that his first ever Champions League match was seen at the Bernabeu. ‘To be back here playing and scoring…’
The Argentine striker was given the nod to start at the Bernabeu and had opened the scoring bundling over the line, but Real Madrid eventually ran out 4-2 winners.
“We had a good performance in moments, there were times in the first half when we defended well, others when we struggled on their counter-attacks,” Simeone told Sky Sport Italia.
“The last 10 minutes we struggled mentally and physically, when they scored the third goal that weighed on us and they took control.
“I always train hard trying to show the coach that I deserve a place. I am glad he picked me and can only say I will continue giving 100 per cent, which is what he has given to me. We are all important in this squad and can all give our contribution.”
It was a very special moment for ‘Cholito,’ whose father Diego Simeone is the coach of Atletico Madrid, and he revealed a childhood memory of being in the stands of this historic venue to watch Real Madrid against Barcelona.
“It was a very special game, I remember many years ago, the first time I saw a Champions League game live was in this stadium when Lionel Messi dribbled past everyone to score. I was very young, my mother brought me along and it was so emotional to be back in this stadium to play and score myself.”
There was a visit from his father at the Napoli team hotel this morning, but for safety reasons being the manager of Real Madrid’s arch rivals, Diego was not in the stadium.
“My father just came to say hello, his advice was ‘go for goal’ – what else to say? He told me that he was putting the barbecue on at home and was going to watch the game with a nice cold beer.
“He deserves it after a great game yesterday.”
Cholo’s Atletico Madrid secured their qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 with a victory away to Feyenoord.
Napoli can still join them as long as they avoid defeat by more than one goal to SC Braga.