Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has clarified that AI-generated images exaggerate his physical transformation, telling friends the viral pictures are fake. The 19-year-old has been working in the gym while recovering from an ACL injury suffered on his Reds debut.
Leoni's response to viral AI images
The £26million signing from Parma was stretchered off during his first appearance for Liverpool against Southampton last September. He is now nearing a return to full training after focusing on improving his physicality for English football.
Interest in the Italian's new physique led to AI-generated images of the centre-back going viral on social media. While Leoni's gym work has produced notable results, the mocked-up pictures heavily exaggerate the transformation.
“My friends always send it to me,” Leoni said on Liverpool's YouTube channel as part of their AXA partnership. “I had to say to them, ‘This is AI.’”
“Of course, I work in the gym for 10 months but this is AI, you can see.” Leoni was sitting alongside fellow defender Conor Bradley, who joked: “They're not AI, mate.”
Rehab bond with Conor Bradley
The pair have formed a bond as both have been rehabilitating from long-term injuries simultaneously. Bradley suffered a serious knee issue in January, and Leoni has appreciated going through the process alongside the Northern Ireland captain.
“Since his injury, we've been together a lot because of the rehab,” Leoni explained. “We have a good relationship, and we know each other more and more, day by day. I'm really happy to have a good relationship with him.”
Liverpool's changing defence and Leoni's debut
Liverpool's centre-back options have altered during Leoni's lay-off. Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes, Ronald Araujo signed on loan from Barcelona, and Ibrahima Konate chose to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract this summer.
The 19-year-old will be eager to impress new manager Andoni Iraola after seeing his young career halted by injury last term. Leoni displayed maturity when reflecting on his Liverpool debut being cut short after 81 minutes in the Carabao Cup.
“It was my first game at Anfield with my fans, with my teammates,” Leoni said. “I played a good game and then I had that injury. Looking back, I can say I'm glad to have made my debut in front of my fans.”
He continued: “After that, I received a lot of messages, a lot of support from the fans. Looking back, I can just say thank you to everyone.”
“I stayed here since the first day until now because I wanted to do the rehab with the physios here. Even for the relationships and for the English, it was the best thing to do in that period, so I decided to stay with my teammates in Liverpool.”
