Cagliari's Simeone hints at family link-up in Madrid
Giovanni Simeone has not ruled out a move to "second home" Atletico Madrid when he looks for a new challenge away from Cagliari.
Simeone, 25, joined the Serie A side on a permanent deal ahead of the 2020-2021 campaign after enjoying a successful loan spell from Fiorentina last term.
He has started the new season in fine form too, scoring five goals in seven appearances to help his side sit 11th in the table.
Indeed, only Andrea Belotti, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have scored more than him in the Italian top-flight, while he also chipped in with one assist and completed a team-high 75 per cent of his dribbles.
Despite his permanent spell at Cagliari still being in its infancy, Simeone is already thinking about his next move and says LaLiga side Atletico – coached by his father Diego – holds a special appeal.
"I am enjoying Cagliari but I would like to be able to change at some point in my career, that would help me to keep growing," he told Marca. "Maybe in Spain or in England, which is another place that I like a lot.
"I always say that being in other countries makes you a better player because leagues and teams are different and I would like to keep growing.
"The feeling that I have for Atletico is different because my dad is there. I am obviously a fan of the clubs that he played for since I was a kid, but Atletico is a bit different.
"Each time my father played for Atletico I have put on their shirt and been a fan. Since I was a child, I have felt Atletico is my home, even though I never played there and never lived in Spain really.
"To have this feeling of a second home is a good feeling."
Cagliari travels to champion Juventus on Sunday (AEDT) as Serie A resumes following November's international break.
