On Wednesday, September 7, 2️022, Giovanni Simeone scored in the UEFA Champions League, following in the footsteps of his father, coach Diego Simeone.
He marked the occasion by kissing the UCL-themed tattoo he acquired at the age of 13 after defying his well-known father over the tattoo.
Note that Diego Simeone scored in his Champions League debut during his playing days. In 1996, Diego scored twice as Atletico Madrid defeated Steaua Bucuresti 4-0.
Giovanni Simeone’s Champions League debut was made possible by Victor Osimhen’s injury, who disrupted the Liverpool defense during his brief first-half presence. As expected, Giovanni had an immediate effect.
After 27 years, Giovanni made a spectacular UCL debut by scoring Napoli’s third goal in a 4-1 victory over Liverpool.
Like his father, who is the manager of Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old Argentine striker was thrilled to have made it to the elite European league after joining from Hellas Verona in the summer.
In the buildup to his debut goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s throw was intercepted by Giovanni, who was in the right place at the right moment to put the ball past Allison and increase his team’s lead before halftime.
Overcome with passion, the former River Plate player slumped to the ground in excitement after scoring and appeared to kiss his arm as he was embraced by his teammates.
Although Simone’s effort against Jurgen Klopp’s team may have been his first in the Champions League, the 27-year-old has been aspiring to play in the tournament since he was a child.
Simeone previously disclosed that much to his father Diego’s displeasure, at the age of 13, he had the Champions League insignia tattooed on his bicep.
Giovanni, who left South America in 2016, played in his first match and scored his first goal in the Champions League. After scoring his dream goal, he collapsed to the ground in excitement.
The Argentine later recalled, “I always imagined myself playing just one minute in the Champions League. Today, I had the opportunity, and I seized it.
Added Giovanni: “I got my first tattoo when I was 13 years old. You’re meant to be 18, but because I loved the Champions League so much when I was 13, I had the logo created.
“Dad didn’t want me to, though. My mother asked, “Why?”
“I stated that I would kiss the tattoo the day I play and score my first goal.
“When I was thirteen, my mentality was European.”
Diego Simeone, the father of Giovanni Simeone is happy
Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atletico Madrid, was ecstatic for his son Giovanni when he scored for Napoli in a win over Liverpool.
After his son’s UCL debut goal, Simeone said: “Regarding Giovanni, I am overjoyed for him. He put a lot of effort into winning the Champions League, which is tattooed on his arm since he was a young child.
“It’s crucial for him that he strikes frequently inside the area because he is a member of a highly strong team that assaults frequently.
“I’m therefore thrilled for him.”
