It is not that long ago that the name Diego Simeone was mentioned in English football to refer only to the dark arts, and a dark hour.
First, a clattering foul on England's young midfielder. Then a sarcastic head-pat to incense the bruised player. And finally, having drawn a petulant kick, a wildly exaggerated fall, all the while managing to gesture to the referee, just in case the transgression had been missed.
Who would have thought, back in 1998, that just two decades later Simeone would be a cult hero, universally respected, and wildly revered, even in this country?