He's my idol — Semenyo credits AFCON winner as inspiration behind Man City jersey number

Antoine Semenyo has revealed that while his choice of the number 42 jersey was primarily sentimental, the legacy of a legendary AFCON winner made the decision even easier.

The 26-year-old forward completed his £62.5 million move from Bournemouth on Friday, January 9, and was quickly confirmed as the first City player to wear the number 42 since the departure of Yaya Toure in 2018.

The Ivorian icon, who famously won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, wore the number during his eight trophy-laden years at the Etihad.

Semenyo explained that the number was originally his first professional squad number at Bristol City. After finding that his preferred number 24 was already occupied by Josko Gvardiol, he viewed the return to 42 as a "fairytale" nod to his roots and his idols.

“It was my first number I got at Bristol City when I first signed. It’s always stuck with me,” Semenyo told the club’s official website.

“I was either 42 or 24. Since 24 wasn’t available, I went back to my first number. That’s the inspiration behind it.”

While Semenyo admitted that Toure wasn't the sole reason for the choice, he was quick to acknowledge the Ivorian as a major influence on his career.

During his early years, Semenyo reportedly spent hours studying YouTube footage of African legends, including Toure and Didier Drogba, to refine his physical and clinical style of play.

“He’s my idol,” Semenyo said when asked about inheriting Toure's old digits.

“Watching what he did for this club and for Africa was amazing. To wear the same number is a huge honor, even if it started as a personal memory for me.”

The Ghanaian international is available for immediate selection and could make his debut as early as next Tuesday in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.