Faith-filled Antoine's making waves

Antoine Semenyo’s £62.5 million move to Manchester City in the January transfer window isn’t the only reason the attacker has made headlines.

As well as scoring on his first appearance for City, the 26-year-old has also drawn attention for his public declaration of his Christian faith.

Semenyo, who is also capped for Ghana, shared that he had been baptised on a beach in Bournemouth late last year.

In a New Year’s Eve message on Instagram, Semenyo posted about his baptism in the sea, a moment he described as drawing him closer to God.

The British-born winger – who was prolific for Bournemouth before his move to the north west – has long spoken about the role Christianity plays in his life and career.

In interviews last autumn, he reflected on an earlier baptism as a child.

He told reporters that he didn’t “really know the purpose behind it … but now I know my purpose.”

His faith also helps him deal with adversity, he said, including instances of racial abuse he has faced on the pitch.

Semenyo’s public step of faith came as transfer talks with City reached advanced stages over his massive release clause.

Fans and fellow believers have flooded social channels with praise, celebrating the star’s commitment to his beliefs aside from his on-field exploits.

As Semenyo prepares for life in a team that is challenging for the Premier League title, his testament of faith is resonating.

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