Like father, like son, they say. Well, in this case, it is the same, but only to some point.Because unlike his son Giovanni, Diego Paolo Simeone was already a household name in the world of football at the age of 26. He was a versatile, die-hard midfielder with one FIFA World Cup appearance and several seasons spent in formidable LaLiga sides (Sevilla and Atletico Madrid). In that same Madrid, his first son Giovanni was born 26 years ago.Cholo against England in that notrious 1998 FIFA World Cup 1/8 finals (©Doug Pensinger /Allsport)He followed in his father’s footsteps, engaging in football early in Argentina and joining River Plate’s youth setups. After progressing to the first team, Simeone Jr. collected as many as 27 appearances for the Millionaires before picking up some new challenges in Italy.A promising striker – and that’s another significant difference between him and his dad – enjoyed several short but decent stints with Genoa, Fiorentina and Cagliari. However, he never lived up to those high expectations and the burden of his father’s fame, so loans were an inevitable part of his journey.The most profitable football coach in the world – Diego SimeoneThe last one, at Hellas Verona, started nicely, with four goals in five games. And then, he added another four. In a single game!Yes, you’ve read it correctly – Giovanni Simeone banged four goals in a 4-1 home win against mighty Lazio yesterday.A first-half brace followed by two more in the second period launched him instantly into football stardom. He was rewarded with a much-deserved 10 at specialized football websites.A ‘little Cholo’ is still young enough to make a name in both Italian and world football. He’s got a role model to look up to, for sure…(2.80) GETAFE (2.90) CELTA (3.05)”My old man never said don’t be a player or do be this. He gave me freedom. As a kid, my old man was my idol: every son wants to be like his dad. And I love football. You leave a lot behind, but if you have the passion, you do it.””I wanted to play in the middle like my dad, and he said: ‘No, you go upfront, you hit the ball hard. He would say: ‘Shoot! Shoot!’##EDITORS_CHOICE##The inevitable question is about going to Atletico or, maybe, English Premier League one day… “You have to be ready for whatever comes: he who survives is he who adapts, not he who plans. But I would like to, yes. I always told my old man that the best football now is English football. I also think it’s a football where I could really make the most of my qualities. It’s very attractive, a place I’d like to try; maybe I’d fit in, “concluded Simeone Jr.
