Jeremy Doku completed an unforgettable derby day by heading straight off from the Etihad to get baptized on Sunday. The Belgian winger turned in a dazzling display as City took the derby honours with a 3-0 win over Ruben Amorim’s United.
He set up the first two goals for Phil Foden and Erling Haaland and caused a headache for the Red Devils all afternoon. And afterwards he revealed the thought of reaffirming his commitment to Jesus and being cleansed of his sins had inspired him.
Softfootball understands that Doku has never hidden his strong Christian faith and, in the immediate aftermath of his starring role in City’s 3-0 win, said he was going straight off to be baptised.
Doku, who gave an impresiive performance against Manchester United prevealed after the Etihad Stadium triumph that Sunday was always going to be a special day as seen on his Instagram page, the post reads:
Important win in the derby!
I already knew my day would end in victory, yesterday my fiancé and I were baptised. This was such a special moment for us. Jesus saved my life.
The spiritual side of religion is at odds with the pressurised environment of elite level footballers. However, it possibly explains Doku’s calm persona.
Doku was allegedly influenced in his religion by Belgium international team-mate Romelu Lukaku and it is clear how significant it is to him.
Doku has endured mixed fortunes to begin the season, and the clash with United was only his second start of four games. He has yet to complete 90 minutes, but his two assists against City’s biggest rivals can only help his chances of becoming indispensable under Pep Guardiola.
The 23-year-old winger is now looking forward to Thursday’s club reunion with international teammate in the Champions League. The Napoli fixture will be his first since Sunday night’s baptism.
Thursday’s opener means an early return to the north-west for City great Kevin De Bruyne, whose 10-year association with the club came to an end in the summer.
