David Hancko has signed a five-year contract with "Atletico Madrid", reuniting with Diego Simeone - the coach he once approached as a fan for a photo opportunity years ago.
The Slovak defender's connection with the Argentine tactician dates back to the 2018-19 season when Hancko was playing for "Fiorentina" alongside Giovanni Simeone, the coach's son. When the elder Simeone visited Italy to watch his son train, Hancko seized the moment.
"I couldn't miss the chance to meet such a legendary coach," Hancko reportedly told teammates after getting his photo with Simeone.
Diego Simeone apparently remembered the young Slovak's face from that encounter and began following his career trajectory afterward. What started as a brief fan interaction has now evolved into a professional relationship, with Simeone instrumental in bringing Hancko to the Spanish capital.
Interestingly, Giovanni Simeone and Hancko developed a strong friendship during their time together in Florence. Sources suggest that the coach's son likely played a role in convincing the defender to make the move to "Atletico".
Hancko has already joined his new teammates and coach at Los Ángeles de San Rafael training facility. From asking for a photo to becoming his player - quite the career progression, isn't it?
The question now remains: will this pre-existing admiration translate into a successful sporting partnership on the pitch?
