Savinho reveals Riyad Mahrez influence on Manchester City shirt number selection

Manchester City’s latest summer recruit has revealed the influence Riyad Mahrez has had on his shirt number selection upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

Savinho has become Manchester City’s first senior recruit of the ongoing summer transfer window, ending a 36-day period without any incoming activity and with an intent to continue doing business during the remainder of the window.

Despite the outgoing spend of a £33.6 million total package on the 20-year-old, City remain in the market for fresh midfield recruits as they continue their pursuit of a suitable back-up for Rodrigo in defensive midfield.

For many potential targets, it is Manchester City’s past and illustrious recent history that attracts them into Pep Guardiola’s project, and the club’s newest signing has proven to be evidence of that fact.

Speaking to ManCity.com in his first media duties as an Etihad Stadium athlete, Savinho revealed the inspirational effect Riyad Mahrez has had on his game and his career path, influencing his shirt number selection this summer.

“Since I was little, my dream was also to get here at Manchester City (like Riyad Mahrez),” the Brazil international told the club’s official website. “My friends always said that I looked a bit like him, but Mahrez is Mahrez, Sávio is Sávio.”

The 20-year-old continued, “I don’t want to create expectations for people, but I want to show my football – but I really like Mahrez and the way he plays football. In this case, he is an inspiration here, that’s why I chose his number, and I am happy.”

During his time in English football, Riyad Mahrez won everything available to him with the exception of Manchester City’s recently-acclaimed UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles.

A maiden UEFA Champions League trophy and five Premier League titles were no doubt the highlights of the Algerian’s exceptional career in English football, starring on multiple occasions for Pep Guardiola’s side in domestic and European competition.

Should Savinho get anywhere near the achievements of Mahrez in a Manchester City shirt then the price tag of an initial £21 million will be one of the finest pieces of business completed by Txiki Begiristain and his colleagues.