Doku speaks about religious end to 'victory day'

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku knew Sunday was going to be a good day - and it had nothing to do with his performance in the derby day victory over Manchester United.

Doku has never hidden his strong Christian faith and, in the immediate aftermath of his starring role in City's 3-0 win at Etihad Stadium, said he was going straight off to be baptised.

"For me, today was already a victory day," he said.

"Why? Because I knew that after the game I'm going to be baptised.

"As a Christian, when you get baptised, your old nature, your old sinful nature dies, and you start living with God. You resurrect with God, with Jesus Christ.

"You can do that as a kid but normally it's meant for when you're older and you really realise what you're doing."

The spiritual side of religion is at odds with the pressurised environment of elite level football.

However, it possibly explains Doku's calm persona.

Doku was influenced in his religion by Belgium international team-mate Romelu Lukaku and it is clear how significant it is to him.

"It's the centre of my life," he said. "There's nothing more important to me than faith."