AMADOU ONANA has been a massive hit with Aston Villa fans since his £50million summer move from Everton.
And the midfield giant, who has scored three goals in seven games for Unai Emery’s side, dreams of making a hit record one day.
The 6ft 5in Belgian international has learned to play the piano — and writes his own songs, too.
In August, under the guise of 24AM, Onana released his first song — R&B track Check On Me — on the likes of Spotify.
In Belgium he has been called ‘the Devil with the voice of an angel’ — referring to the national team’s Red Devils nickname.
And he has a fashion sense to put old Everton pal and model Dominic Calvert-Lewin to shame.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Ipswich, Onana said: “I like to try and take myself away from football a bit.
“You have to have different hobbies to help you relax and music is one of mine.
“I listen to everything. I don’t have a specific genre. I’ll listen to rap songs, R&B, soul … different genres.
“I’m not performing publicly yet but writing songs on my own helps me to relax.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“I also play the piano, I took lessons. I wanted to try something different.
“In August I released my first song, Check On Me, which did well on streaming platforms.
“For now I’m focusing on Aston Villa but when I have some downtime I like to write lyrics.”
Onana’s other great love is fashion — the 23-year-old turned up for international duty with Belgium in a black, pleated skirt, yellow shoes and matching handbag.
He has also worn a T-shirt with the slogan: ANDRE IS NOT EVEN MY NAME MATE!
That was a reference to a car-crash interview after Belgium were beaten by Slovakia at Euro 2024 when a reporter referred to him as ‘Andre’ — the name of Manchester United’s goalkeeper.
Onana said: “I like to dress well — my mum would never let us leave the house looking untidy.
“I like to cut a dash. It doesn’t have to be designer wear.
“If it looks good, I’ll wear it. I don’t spend outrageous amounts on clothes.”
One particular garment left a lasting impression on his team-mates — a distinctive jacket with white and yellow daisies plastered all over it.
From a distance it resembled scrambled eggs.
Onana confessed: “A lot of people said that. I don’t mind the stick.
“Whatever I think is good-looking, I’ll wear, no matter what people think.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
In April, Aston Villa and Kaizen Gaming, the leading global GameTech operator, announced a new long-term partnership for Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s premium brand, to become the club’s new principal and front-of-shirt partner.
Betano’s sponsorship aims to complement Aston Villa’s already positive community impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
