The new boy is waiting patiently in the wings. But when the full potential of latest signing Giovanni is unleashed it is predicted that Ajax fans are in for a treat. Giovanni is the 18-year-old wonder-kid from Brazil who joined the Sons of the Gods last month from Santos — and then found his chances of progression at Johan Cruijff ArenA immediately thwarted by the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The Coved-19 virus has put football, and the world, on hold as countries including Holland try desperately to find a way through the pandemic. In the meantime, Giovanni has told how he has used a new-found friendship with Ajax striker David Neres to help him settle in to his new surroundings and new life in Amsterdam.
The Samba starlet has spoken to the club’s official website about that adjustment and cites Neres, who is 23, as a good influence. The midfield ace, who says that he prefers to play in a No.10 role and can play out wide too, said:
“That certainly makes things easier for me. It did influence my decision to choose Ajax. I think I can learn a lot from David Neres. I knew him by name and knew he was a really good player, but I met him in the Netherlands for the first time.
“He has become a friend in a short time. I think he’s very funny and we have the same sense of humour. I’ve been with him almost all the time since I’ve been in the Netherlands. I go to his house all the time and then we play a Brazilian card game together. I know (Ajax forward) Danilo too, because he also played at Santos.”
Although he is understandably frustrated by life and football being put on hold as the lockdown continues, Giovanni says he is being as patient as possible. He added:
“It was very annoying that corona broke out when I first arrived. But I have to accept the situation. I am learning English, gaming a lot and other than that it is a matter of washing my hands a lot and waiting for the situation to improve.”
Giovanni lives in an apartment with his agent and admits that although he is happy to be at Ajax, he still misses his parents. They are set to head to Holland when the pandemic is over:
“They are coming to the Netherlands soon along with my little brother and sister. First, they’re coming for a visit, but next year they’re coming to live with me here. I have a really close relationship with my family. It’s important to me that they’re here as this will make makes it easier for me to adjust to life here.”