THE ‘EGO’ HAS LANDED
Sion has made many a headline for his Skills on the pitch, his ruthless business strategy, and his volatile attitude to press and fellow players. Looking back through the old headlines I don’t think any player has avoided a verbal assault from the man fittingly nicknamed ‘The Ego’.
Of course fans are excited but also cautious of this signing. Sion of course once famously orchestrated the first and only player strike in the world of Virtual Football.
Sion will largely be remembered for his time as The Order of the Serpent Player-Manager that saw him lift a domestic double in his first season in charge of a team. Although glorious, this time was hampered by the breakdown in relations with Assistant, Marco Veddi, which saw the DTL split down the middle as a war brewed between the players. This very much has been the theme in today’s Press Conference as the media seemed to be more interested in the past than the future for Sion.
Reporter: Sion. Firstly, welcome to Portugal. We are all a little stunned to see you returning to the game. What has spurred this return?
Sion: Thanks, I am happy to be here. I personally feel like I have a lot of unfinished business in the game and it’s time to get back involved.
Reporter: Would that unfinished business have anything to do with the news Marco Veddi is lacing his boots again?
Sion: I hadn’t heard, although I only pay attention to the big news stories. No I’m joking. Of course I’m aware of Veddi’s return to the game, and the DTL will be richer for his addition.
Reporter: Are you at all concerned that you both are now back in the same squad and whether or not you can function on the pitch?
Sion: What you have to realise is that myself and Marco are professionals first and foremost. No matter what has gone down off the pitch, we did our part, and did it well on the pitch. We might have been hot tempered and the world has seen a lot of bad things outside of the game, but we can proudly boast the fact that we don’t share a single booking or sending off between us. Not many “model” professionals can say the same these days.
Reporter: Speaking to Veddi earlier today, he mentioned that you both play the same positions. How do you feel about having he as a direct rival for your position?
Sion: Well any competition is healthy, I’m no spring chicken and it’s good to have a quality player keeping me on my toes. However I prefer to play wider and Marco has always floated into the middle of the park. So I think you will see us more on the pitch together, than fighting for a place. We have lit up the pitch many a time together in the past and I think we still have a few tricks up our sleeves to delight the Tigres fans.
Reporter: You both have Joined GD Tigres. Was your decision due to your past with Guerra Santa?
Sion: I would be lying if I didn’t say there was a level of nostalgia when I saw the club. Guerra Santa was my first club, and although both Veddi and I suffered there at the hands of a fool of a manager, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the club. This is why I have reverted back to 13 also. It was my first jersey and will be the last number I wear in the game. But the main reason I have joined this team is due to Guilherme. He has a great vision of where he expects this club to be. I like his tactical approach to the game and feel I will fit in well with it. I am also in awe of SMatos, not just from what I have seen of him on the pitch, but that beard. It’s like watching 300 all over again.
Sion: SionVision for now has moved away from construction, and sportswear. I loved the brand and players couldn’t get enough of Air Sion Boots. The vast majority of teams in the DTL wore our boots and strips for a good few seasons. Will we see Air Sion return? Maybe. I might get that creative itch again.
Reporter: So you won’t be wearing Air Sion. What will we see Sion wearing this season?
Sion: I have signed back with Nike. They gave me a shot when I was unknown, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Reporter: you have hit on the fact you are not getting any younger. Do you think you have what it takes to still bomb up and down the pitch with the younger players?
Sion: Listen, I might have a few more wrinkles and a bit less hair. But I can still show these kids a thing or two. I have been keeping myself fit at my academy, putting the Scottish youths through their paces.
Reporter: So we asked Veddi to describe himself in one word, and he said determined. What would your word be?
Sion: Well I have just flown in from Florida, so I’d have to say, ‘Jetlagged’ *room laughs*
So it appears uncertain to how both players almost a decade on will behave around the pitch. But one thing I am certain of, we are all going to be entertained.
