The goal: to shine again

At just 25 years old, Phil Foden is already a key figure at Manchester City, but he knows last season wasn’t his best. “It wasn’t a great year, but now I want to be myself again and enjoy playing,” he admitted during a public training session, where fans made it clear he’s still one of their favorites. Foden is hopeful about the new campaign: “Playing against new teams is a good way to get back into rhythm.”

The England midfielder also revealed who inspires him the most: Paulo Dybala. While he doesn’t support a specific club outside of City, he does cherish a special memory against an Italian side: “Rodri’s goal against Inter in the Champions League final… that exact moment is my best memory in a City shirt.”

De Bruyne, Italy, and Pep

Foden also shared his thoughts on former teammate Kevin De Bruyne, now a Napoli player. “Italian fans are going to love Kevin. He’s a world-class player and a quiet leader,” he said. “He’s helped us win many Premier Leagues with his assists. He’s a complete player—on and off the pitch.”

But the most heartfelt moment came when he spoke about Pep Guardiola. “He’s the best. He gave me the chance to join the first team when I was 16, and I’ll never forget that.” For Foden, what sets Pep apart is his obsession with detail: “He sees things others don’t. He has a hunger for excellence every single day, and he passes that on to us.”

Even as he enters his ninth professional season, Foden doesn’t see himself as a veteran. “There are still teammates with more experience, like Bernardo or Gündogan. I just feel like one of the group.”