A man formed an unlikely bond with a curious octopus that decided to perch on his chest.

Michele Bottari, 28, and his wife, Delaney Adams, 27, were on holiday in Porto Rotondo when they spotted the sea creature.

Intrigued, Michele gently approached it underwater and patiently gained its trust.

To his surprise, the octopus allowed him to guide it to the surface, where it nestled against his chest.

Delaney captured the tender moment, which lasted nearly 10 minutes, as the animal rested calmly with her husband.

Delaney, an office manager based in Greenville, South Carolina, said: "I was incredibly excited, but actually not that surprised. "

"He has a way with animals and is also always doing something out of the ordinary."

Michele grew up in Prato, Italy, and is an experienced spear fisherman and diver.

Having visited Sardinia since childhood, he has developed a keen eye for spotting where octopuses are likely to live.

Delaney said: "He dove down a few times to pet the octopus. "

"Michele spent quite a few minutes trying to build trust with the octopus and luring it out of its cave. "

"Eventually he was able to pick up the octopus and bring it to the surface. "

"The octopus could have swam away whenever it pleased but I guess he enjoyed the ride."