Savio or Savinho? Manchester City signing explains name change on shirt

Manchester City have confirmed their first signing of the summer, but there is some confusion over the player’s name.

Savio - as he was called in Girona - was presented as ‘Savinho’ as his transfer was announced by City. It’s a name he also chose to adorn the back of his shirt this season and opted for Savinho at the Copa America.

“It’s because for my first call up with the national team they put ‘Savinho’, and people in Girona knew me more as ‘Savinho’ too, even though I had ‘Savio’ on my shirt,” the 20-year-old explained as part of his opening City interview. 

“So, I chose to go back to having ‘Savinho’ on my shirt, and I hope the ‘Savinho’ name brings me some good luck.”

It’s not unusual for City players to be referred to by different names. In fact Rodri, is called ‘Rodrigo’ on the club’s official channels, while Bernardo Silva is referenced simply as ‘Bernardo’. Stefan Ortega is another whose name varies, with ‘Ortega Moreno’ printed on the back of his shirt.

As for Savinho, the winger has signed for a fee of up to €40m (£33.6m) and has penned a five-year contract with the club. Savinho has also opted to take the no.26 jersey previously worn by Riyad Mahrez, a player he greatly admires.

“[My friend] always used to say that I played a bit like Riyad Mahrez. But Mahrez is Mahrez, Savio is Savio, I don’t want to make people expect anything, just to show my football. 

“But I like him a lot, how he plays. He’s an inspiration, that why I’ve chosen his number. I’m really happy.”