THE man who dubs himself ‘The Gorilla’, Brazilian-Serbian defender Lyanco looks like a bit of a livewire and has joined Saints' defence during this window.
A man who celebrates his goal-stopping defending as much as a forward celebrates bagging at the other end, Saints might have just added a real character to their squad.
He posts regularly on social media and has made no attempt to hide his pride of moving to the Premier League outfit, and has already posted picturesque scenes from his time in the city.
God wouldn't put me here if I didn't deserve it, God wouldn't take me somewhere if it wasn't to be a blessing. It will be the year, it will be the season, it will be my story here. I love the city, I love the warmth of the fans and I will give them a lot of joy!🦍🔥❤️🤍💪🏿🙏🏼😇4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/dg8d3pgOt8
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 29, 2021
In his old house in Italy, a small model of a gorilla dons a ‘Lyanco’ Torino jersey. His social media shows a video of him falling back into thick snow wearing just his boxer shorts, and an appreciation post with a Sergio Ramos shirt gifted by fellow Brazilian Rodrygo.
Let’s take a quick look a little bit deeper into who ‘The Gorilla’ is…
Who is Lyanco?
Lyanco is a 6foot 2inch tall Brazilian-Serbian centre-back, born in Vitoria, Brazil. His paternal grandfather was born in the Serbian area of Yugoslavia and moved to the South American country during the second world war.
After graduating from Sao Paulo’s youth academy, the number four played in the Brazilian top-flight before moving to Serie A outfit Torino in 2017, and going on loan to Bologna during the 2018-19 season.
He has made 80 league appearances so far in his career, aged 24-years-old. He was born on February 1 1997.
Welcome to #SaintsFC, @Lyanco 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/bpr8vR1Xfs
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 25, 2021
International career
In 2016, Lyanco agreed terms to represent Serbia at youth levels and featured for their under-19 outfit during U19 European Championship qualification, whilst still playing for Sao Paulo.
However, he then accepted a call up by Brazil under-20 boss Rogério Micale later in the year and switched his allegiance back to Brazil.
After several appearances for the under-20s, he then featured for the under-23s in 2019 with great success. They won the prestigious Toulon Tournament – which had been won by England three years in a row prior – after a penalty shootout victory in the final in France.
Lyanco received the Silver Ball award for the being the second best player in the entire tournament, which featured the likes of Joe Willock, Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah, Brazilian winger Antony and top goalscorer and new Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha.
And also personal title ... Champion, best defender and second best player of the championship 🏆🇧🇷🙏 pic.twitter.com/XZsa0R57tw
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) June 15, 2019
Lyanco is yet to play senior international football.
Social media post to Torino fans after leaving
After his transfer to Saints was announced, Lyanco sent a message to supporters of his former side, Torino, via Twitter.
Sono arrivato ragazzo, partirò come uomo. Ho vissuto tante cose qui a Torino, tante cose sono successe, tante cose ho imparato. Ma è ora di salutarvi, non ho mai smesso di dare il massimo, tra l'altro. per essere il meglio di me! grazie di tutto Torino Fc, grazie di tutto Torino! pic.twitter.com/WWCj5CuuZs
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 25, 2021
It reads: “I arrived boy, I will leave as a man. I have experienced so many things here in Turin, so many things have happened, so many things I have learned. But it's time to say goodbye, I've never stopped giving my best, by the way. to be the best of me! thanks for everything Turin Fc, thanks for everything Turin!”
His social media presence
Footballer’s can often make themselves fan favourites just by showing a bit of passion and interaction online.
It’s a bit of a niche reference, but Icelandic defender Hordur Magnusson played for Championship Bristol City between 2016-18 and sticks out purely because he was adored by fans on social media – despite his performances being often less than impressive.
In a footballing world of fast success, fast cars and mega-riches falling at the feet of even young stars who have barely proven themselves, it’s easy to cut yourself a popular figure just by showing supporters some interest back.
Here’s what Lyanco has had to say on social media since his move…
I’m here, the gorilla arrived. Let's go on this adventure together, I'm Saints, I'm Southampton! Very happy, my dream is coming true, I will do everything for this club, and for my teammates! I love all of this! 😇❤️🤍🦍 @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/d2XABMejJR
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 25, 2021
Day 1 🔥🦍🙏🏼 #Godisgood pic.twitter.com/hcdN7LbAL0
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 26, 2021
Good morning 4️⃣🦍 @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/RjHdEuWrDx
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 28, 2021
Southampton ❤️🤍🦍🙏🏼 #morning 👊🏿 pic.twitter.com/vgl3URmqxV
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 29, 2021
😇❤️🤍🦍🔥 pic.twitter.com/np7o0yW0NF
— Lyanco Vojnovic (@Lyanco) August 31, 2021
Videos of Lyanco in action
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