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

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

The 20-year-old, who arrived from City Football Group sister club Troyes in the summer for a fee rising to £33.7million, has quickly grown accustomed to the Premier League and become a fan favourite at the Etihad.

He is yet to hit the back of the net for his new club but registered two assists in seven league appearances and dazzled on the right wing, causing many to compare him to former City stars Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane.

Bull riding isn’t as popular in the UK compared to Sao Mateus, a small coastal municipality in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo where Savinho grew up, as many teenagers including City’s new star would spend their free time trying to stay on the back of an angry bull.

Savinho explained to the Daily Mail: “Until I was about 16 I would always ride, not so much nowadays in case something happens. But before I’d go out a lot. Now I’m a bit more worried about coming off, because it’s been a while since I’ve ridden.

“But also to be professional – in case you fall, in case you get injured. I have a bit of a fear about that. Somebody gets onto a bull and the bull’s jumping around a lot, you know?

“You have to hold on for eight seconds. I’ve never had a go. It’s very dangerous! If I wasn’t a footballer then I would!”

Pep Guardiola can relax in the comfort that his Brazilian talent isn’t planning to return to bull riding and risk an injury anytime soon, with several of his City stars currently sidelined.

Matheus Nunes has been playing on the wing in the absence of Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, while Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Rodri have also been kept out of action.

But Guardiola has been able to count on Savinho after quickly adapting to life in England. “What I like is I have the feeling he wants to be the best, the best on the pitch, to try things and participate in everything, to have the ball and try again,” said Guardiola before Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton.

“He’s not scoring 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 have the feeling that he’s here to become a good player. That defines the really good players. With courage and consistency with his ambition he will get there.”