Giovanni Simeone spoke on Radio Kiss Kiss about enjoying life in Naples and how playing for the Azzurri has always been a dream of his.
“Playing for this brilliant team makes me happy. Napoli have always been my dream club and now that I’ve fulfilled that dream, I want to give everything for this jersey.
“It’s been such a happy time for me, particularly when I made my debut and scored. That was what I wanted when I was a young boy and that’s what I’ve been training hard for ever since I started out in the game. I’ve improved over the years and we’re improving as a team from game to game. We’ve shown that we have a real identity here and have to continue down this path.”
Which team would you prefer to avoid in the last 16?
“I think that every team in the last 16 is strong. I don’t know who we’ll get but we’re certainly ready to show any side what we’re capable of.”
How are you finding the start of the season with the Azzurri?
“I’ve only been here for a few months now. I’m pleased to be working here with this exceptional squad. I’m improving and growing as a man and as a player. I’ve learnt that quality matters more than the number of minutes that you play for. I’ll give everything for my team-mates and the boss. They know I’m always willing to make my contribution.
“I train hard every day to send out a message to the coach, to show that I’m ready in any situation, be it for the full 90 or just a few minutes. I’ll always give my all and that’s crucial for my performance level. I like to work calmly in silence and when we do well, the results come along with that. You don’t just get lucky, you need to be committed and have the quality to be successful.”
You’ve already scored six goals and showed you have the full attacking repertoire in your locker.
“It’s easier to score as a forward when you have these players alongside you. If I think about the assists from Mario Rui and Giovanni Di Lorenzo that have helped me score goals in the league and in the Champions League, I’d say we have two wonderful full-backs and that’s key in football nowadays.”
Will it be a key Scudetto clash in Bergamo?
“It’s a very important game but we must understand that it’s a long season. Every match is worth the same. We always need to show what we can do and that Napoli are exactly what you’ve seen in the last months.”
What’s your dream now?
“For now, my dream is to be at Napoli because I chose this city and this jersey. I fought to be here and I’ve managed it. The next dream is firmly fixed in my head. I’m pleased and want to keep enjoying these emotions in order to achieve it.”
