FORMER Manchester City star Deiberson Geovanni is working as a pastor at a church in Hulme.

Geovanni, who now plays for Hull City FC, fits his religious work round the football fixtures.

And his community work has led to him playing football at Strangeways.

In between matches he travels to the Brazilian New Hope Fellowship Church where sermons are read in Portuguese and English.

The 29-year-old forward first came to Manchester two years ago. He has also run football workshops with local children in Hulme.

Young fans

Friends, including Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio and Man City midfielder Elano, have also dropped by at the church to listen to Deiberson's services and meet delighted young fans.

Pastor Ezequias Santos, head priest at the Tatton Street church, said: "Deiber has been working with boys in the local area and doing some great work.

"Like Kaka, Deiber is a Brazilian player who has kept his faith and remained humble even though his life is now very different to ours.

"He wants to be part of the community and help youths develop good behaviour, even though he now has a wealthy background."

Deiberson, currently in Italy for a pre-season training camp with the Hull squad, fits in his commitments at the church around the season's fixtures and regularly leads sermons to a packed congregation.

Mary Lunt, another pastor at the International church, said: "You would not believe that Dieber is a celebrity because when he comes to the church, he is so humble.

"During the season he is here as much as possible when he is not playing.

Talented

"Of course, we respect him for being successful and talented as a footballer but when he is at the church he is just like anyone else.

"Often the place is packed out when the local children come to meet him and the other footballers, but they are brilliant and sign every ball and every shirt.

"They always talk to them about their lives, how God has helped them and how they can keep a positive attitude."

Deiberson, who was born in Acaiaca, south east Brazil, started his footballing career aged 18 for America Futebole Clube before becoming a first team favourite at rival Brazilian club Belo Horizonte.

After spells playing for FC Barcelona, Cruzeiro and Benfica, he moved to Manchester City in 2007, scoring the only goal in the Blues' 1-0 victory over United.

Other stunning goals following his move to Hull City included a 30-yard equaliser at the Emirates Stadium to help defeat Arsenal at home for the first time in Hull's history. It was later voted goal of the month for September by Match of the Day viewers.