From ChatGPT to Secret Handshakes: 5 Surprising Insights from AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo
Talk to a Premier League footballer about his teammates, and he’ll often bring up hard work and team spirit. Ask AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and you’ll hear the truth. He’s a veteran who uses AI. He’s a “Welsh wizard” feeling tired from being a new dad. He also shares a secret handshake inspired by imaginary “sprinkles.”
In a recent interview, the Cherries forward talked about the fun vibe and the quirky characters in the dressing room. His stories aren’t match reports or stats. They bring to life the people behind the jerseys. Here are some surprising tech habits and unique rituals. These insights show the true essence of a Premier League squad.
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1. The Veteran Role Model Uses… ChatGPT?
When asked about the club’s longest-serving player, Adam Smith, Semenyo’s respect is immediate. He describes the veteran defender as both a “role model” and “hilarious.” The key detail is that the 33-year-old often uses ChatGPT. This clearly shows he belongs in the 21st century. Semenyo reveals that Smith’s reliance on artificial intelligence is no minor quirk. “He will use it for everything if he’s not sure about something,” he notes. “He puts it into the AI.”
This single detail shatters the stereotype of the old-school, technologically averse veteran. It shows the heavy pressure on experienced players. They must keep their physical edge and stay mentally sharp. They also need to connect with a younger, tech-savvy generation. Smith isn’t adapting; he’s embracing new tools. This shows that true leadership today means being a lifelong learner.
2. The Secret Handshake and the “Hit-and-Miss” Teammate Semenyo
Every team has its “live wire.” For Bournemouth, that title goes to Marcus Tavernier, says Semenyo. Semenyo laughs as he explains his mood. He can be “either really grumpy or very happy.” So, his morning mood is a “hit or miss,” based on his sleep.
Yet this volatility is balanced by a deep bond, symbolized by a unique handshake. When first asked to reveal it, Semenyo demurs playfully, “I can’t show you, it’s a lot, a lot is going on…” before relenting. The ritual is a choreographed sequence:
• Dap
• Dap
“I sprinkle it on your hand.”
“You sprinkle on my hands.”
• Shake
This intricate routine is a perfect example of the unspoken language of a team. It’s a small, private theater away from the stadium cameras. It’s like a hidden inside joke. These personalized rituals build strong camaraderie. They turn colleagues into a cohesive team.
3. Fashion, Style, and the Changing Wardrobe
The dressing room isn’t just for tactics; it’s a place for personal expression. Here, fashion often shines. Semenyo names Justin Kluivert “Mr. Fashionista.” He believes Kluivert is one of the best dressed on the team.” Then, with a knowing glance, he adds a line that speaks volumes about dressing-room banter: “That is a compliment, I hope Jacob is listening to that…”
Semenyo is confident, claiming his style is in the “top five, top six” of the team. He notes it has changed from “a little bit urban” to “the knitwear season, overcoats, and stuff.” This glimpse into the players’ fashion choices shows their fun rivalries. It highlights how personal styles are as important to the team’s identity as their roles on the field.
4. The “Welsh Wizard” is also a tired new dad.
On the pitch, David Brooks is the “Welsh wizard”—a calm, collected playmaker. Semenyo paints a picture of a teammate. This teammate loves golf and enjoys playing PlayStation games, like Battlefield and NBA. He shares a detail that connects the wizard to real life: Brooks is now a father. When the interviewer asks if this makes him grumpy, Semenyo says, “Not grumpy, a bit tired in the morning.”
This simple fact shows the human side of a professional football player. It reminds us that athletes are real people. They deal with big life events like everyone else. This includes sleepless nights when a new baby comes.
5. “Whatever will be, will be”: A Philosophy for Handling Pressure
Semenyo has made waves this season with nine goal involvements. This has sparked plenty of transfer speculation. When asked how he handles it all, his approach is straightforward. “I just try not to take too much notice of it, I think it’s just staying focused, stay in the moment, stay present…” he explains. His whole approach to the high-stakes world of elite football is summed up in one strong phrase.
“I mean, whatever it will be will be.”
This isn’t just a casual comment; it shows the mental strength needed to perform at the highest level. In a world full of noise, this mindset helps him. It acts like a shield, letting him block distractions. He can focus on what he controls: his next touch, his next run, and his next game.
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Conclusion: The Team Behind the Team
Semenyo shows a dressing room where individuality builds unity. He combines Adam Smith’s classic leadership style with Marcus Tavernier’s energetic handshake. These stories—a veteran using AI, a fun fashion rivalry, a tired new dad—show a real side of a Premier League club that stats can’t capture.
Semenyo’s interview reveals the human engine behind a team. The best football stories often aren’t in the box score. They lie in the quiet moments shared between teammates.
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