Tears at dream debut in the Champions League: that’s why Giovanni Simeone was able to kiss his wrist after a goal for Napoli after 14 years (!)

The 27-year-old Argentinian, son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, made the switch from Hellas Verona to Napoli this summer. On a rental basis for an amount of 3.5 million euros and a purchase option that becomes mandatory under certain conditions. Simeone shone in Serie A last season with 17 goals and 6 assists, but at the Partenopei mainly acts as a backup to star player Victor Osimhen.

However, when the Nigerian – a former striker at Charleroi – dropped out, Simeone got his chance against Liverpool. And he thanked coach Luciano Spalletti with a goal, on the pass of sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, after just three minutes on the field. Simeone ran to the sidelines, tears in his eyes and kissed his wrist.

For Simeone, a boyhood dream came true at the age of 27. He made his debut in the Champions League and scored immediately. Fourteen years ago, the Argentine had already had a tattoo of the Champions League emblem on his wrist, which he now kissed.

“I got my first tattoo when I was 13,” Simeone said in an interview with The Guardian. “Normally you have to be 18 years old for that, but I was so crazy about the Champions League that I couldn’t wait. My father did not want it and my mother asked me: Why? I answered her: Because one day I’m going to play in the Champions League and score a goal, then I can kiss that tattoo.”

No sooner said than done, so for Simeone. “I was ready, to have at least one chance in the Champions League. I got it and I was able to use it. It was great and to be able to win then… This means a lot. I also called my dad beforehand. He said I could if I had my chance. It was great to hear the fans chanting my name. I had to fight hard to get to this level.”