“He sacrificed his life for me” – Jeremy Doku dedicates Brentford stunner to his father in emotional interview

Five Things Learned: Manchester City 3-0 Brentford (Premier League)

Doku: That goal was for my father, Happy Birthday!

Doku was visibly emotional as he explained the meaning behind his celebration after curling in a brilliant effort into the top right corner on the hour mark, grabbing his third Premier League goal in a week.

“I’m becoming a dad soon by the grace of God and he sacrificed his life for me,” he said of his father. “Every time bringing me to the club, not knowing what I am now.

“That’s a big thing. And him turning 60, and me having my parents every time with me, it’s just… I’m grateful. That’s why I wanted to give this goal to him, and to Jesus Christ, of course.

“Having him around is a blessing and everyday, I try to remind myself of that. It was just for him. Happy Birthday to him!”

The revelation that Doku is expecting a child of his own adds a further layer of warmth to a tribute that already spoke volumes about the values behind one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.

The acknowledgement of his father’s sacrifices – the early morning trips to training, the years of investment in a son who had no guarantee of making it – is a reminder of the human story behind every professional footballer.

Jeremy Doku cites Raheem Sterling as case study for Manchester City goalscoring target

What has Doku’s season looked like at City?

Doku has been one of City’s most consistent performers this season, notching a remarkable brace in the 3-3 draw against Everton on Monday, including a 97th-minute equaliser – before adding Saturday’s opener against Brentford.

Guardiola has not shied away from singing the praises of Doku as someone who has made a genuine step up in terms of end product and winning mentality in his third season at the Etihad Stadium.

With Arsenal in action at the London Stadium on Sunday, Guardiola and Doku will keenly watching over developments in the English capital ahead of their game in hand over the Gunners against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.