Savinho, a recent addition, talks about his journey from a small Brazilian town to one of the biggest teams in the world of football as Manchester City gets ready for a pivotal Premier League matchup against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. The teenage winger talks about his upbringing, professional path, and Manchester life in this exclusive Showmax interview.
Thank you for visiting The Vestigator, don't forget to share!
Credit: Premier League productions and Showmax Premier League A Realised Dream How have things been going since you got to Manchester? Was playing in the Premier League always your dream? It’s been amazing. Playing for Manchester City is a dream come true, despite the ups and downs. I’m overjoyed to have been selected to play in the Premier League. My goal is to adjust well and make as much of an impact as I can on the squad. A Quick Ascent Did you ever think you’d get to this point so fast? Absolutely not. For me, everything has occurred so quickly. I moved to Europe at the age of 18, began playing professionally at the age of 16, and am currently with Manchester City after two years.
The speed at which everything has come together is something I can only praise God for. Origins in São Mateus Describe your early years spent in São Mateus. I take great pride in my origins. I look forward to revisiting those childhood memories whenever I see my family because I miss them a lot. How did a normal day in your childhood go? I tried my hand at everything. I rode horses, played football every day at five o’clock in the afternoon, assisted my grandparents, and even helped my uncle milk cows in the morning. I wouldn’t exchange my basic yet contented childhood for anything.
Did you improvise or did you have a real football pitch? Using bamboo goalposts, we constructed a little field. We made improvements over time, but we never stopped playing until nightfall. I was shaped as a player by those experiences. The Path to Football Professionalism What was the start of your career? I was always praised for my talent. I stood out and frequently played with older children. In order to follow my passion, my family and I made the decision to relocate to Vitória at that point. Although leaving home was difficult, it was essential. When did you move to Vitória from São Mateus? I was six or seven years old.
I joined a beach football game as soon as we got there. I ended up playing both beach football and 11-a-side because the coach loved me. When did you realise football could be your career? My coach recognised my talent and waived my expenses when I began playing 11-a-side. I realised then that I had something unique. Atlético Mineiro’s joining What brought you to Atlético Mineiro? When we played Cruzeiro and Atlético, I was a member of Santa Cruz’s team.
Even though I was a little child playing against much older opponents, Atlético was impressed and asked me to come back. How did your stay there go? It was fantastic. I joined when I was ten and remained until I was eighteen. I made my senior squad debut at 16, which is uncommon. I only have good recollections of the club, even if I didn’t have as many opportunities as I would have liked. Remember when you made your professional debut? Of course.
The game versus Atlético Goianiense was played away. Even though I just played for fifteen minutes, it was the most draining fifteen minutes of my life. I could feel the nerves and the exhilaration in my legs! Getting Used to Europe How was the switch to football in Europe? It was difficult. I had to get used to the weather, a new language, and a new playing style at PSV, my first European team. However, I have no regrets because PSV aided in my development. After that, everything changed when Girona called.
What impact did Girona have on your career? Girona helped me become the player I am now and gave me confidence. I wouldn’t be at Manchester City right now without them. The Move to Manchester City When did you learn that City was interested? My agent informed me that Guardiola wanted to call me while I was at Copa América. When he did, he assured me that he wanted me to be at City. I was hesitant at first, even telling my family that I wanted to spend another season in Girona! However, after talking to more seasoned Brazilian players like Danilo and Marquinhos, I understood that I couldn’t pass up this chance.
What made you decide to approach them at last? Getting guidance from my teammates and hearing Guardiola’s vision for me. My wife had a significant influence on my choice as well. She was there for me at every turn. Establishing His Own Course You have made analogies to Riyad Mahrez. What are your thoughts about that? People comparing myself to Mahrez bothers me. I want to be remembered as Savinho, not the next Mahrez, even if he is an amazing player.
