'I'm Pep Guardiola's new star, but I could have become a professional bull rider instead'

Manchester City winger Savinho has revealed his love of bull riding and admitted that growing up in Brazil he often jumped on a raging bull in his spare time.

The 20-year-old, who arrived this summer from City Football Group's sister club Troyes for a fee of £33.7million, has quickly adapted to the Premier League and become one of favorites of Etihad fans.

He is yet to find the net for his new club, but he has recorded two assists in seven league matches and has dazzled on the right wing, leading many to compare him to former City stars Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane.

Bull riding is not as popular in the UK as it is in Sao Mateus, a small coastal municipality in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo where Savinho grew up, as many teenagers, including the new City star , spent their free time trying to stay on the bull's back. an angry bull.

Savinho told the Daily Mail: “Until I was about 16 I was always riding my bike, not so much today in case something happened. But before I went out a lot. Now I have a a little more afraid of falling, because it's been a while since I rode.

“But also to be professional – in case you fall, in case you get hurt. I'm a little scared about that. Someone rides a bull and the bull jumps a lot, you know?

“You have to hold on for eight seconds. I've never tried it. It's very dangerous! If I wasn't a footballer, I would do it!”

Pep Guardiola can relax knowing his Brazilian talent has no plans to return to riding and risk injury anytime soon, with several of his City stars currently sidelined.

Matheus Nunes played on the wing in the absence of Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, while Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Rodri were also kept out.

But Guardiola was able to count on Savinho after quickly adapting to life in England. “What I like is the feeling that he wants to be the best, the best on the pitch, trying things and participating in everything, having the ball and trying again,” Guardiola said before the 1-0 victory on Saturday against Southampton.

“He doesn’t score goals but he will take the ball and shoot. We had a free kick against Wolves and he wanted to take it.

“He’s a young guy and I feel like he’s here to become a good player. This defines very good players. With courage and consistency with his ambition, he will achieve it.