Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is aiming to “repay” the faith shown in him by the club as he aims for a “fresh start” under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The 26-year-old scored 19 goals as City won the Premier League in 2023-24 and was named the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year and the league’s player of the season.
However, he has not managed to hit those heights in the past two seasons – scoring 10 times last term, but failing to net in his past 31 appearances for club and country.
Despite his struggles, Foden was offered a new contract by City and signed a four-year deal last month to keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2030.
“It has made me feel relaxed and I can just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the football club for them trusting in me,” Foden said.
“It is nice to see the support from the club and obviously it means a lot.
“It’s about time I try and repay them and give back to the club.”
Foden was given his first-team debut as a 17-year-old by former manager Pep Guardiola and has gone on to make 369 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups.
Guardiola left at the end of last season and Italian Maresca was named as his replacement, returning to the club where he previously worked in the academy and as first-team assistant.
Asked how he was feeling this summer, academy product Foden said: “Very good – a fresh start, a new manager and up to now, really enjoying it.
“It is very strange but I know Enzo from before, so that also helps. I know him quite well and what [he] is about.
“That has definitely helped, to have that relationship with him.”
Foden very important, says Maresca
Foden started for England in their 2024 European Championship final defeat by Spain but missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the tournament before losing 2-1 to Argentina, and Foden said it was hard watching them walk out for the national anthem before games.
Foden said Maresca had checked in with him after he was left out of Tuchel’s squad.
Foden said: “He [Maresca] reached out just after to see if it was OK, which was very nice of him, to show us this character and the person he is.
“He cares about everyone and wants to have a good relationship with the team.”
Foden struggled last season with a combination of off-field issues and an ankle injury, but says he is now “fully fit”.
Asked about Foden’s role in the team, Maresca said: “Phil is very important, like the rest. Knowing Phil from years ago, I know how good he is.
“It is my duty to help him be the Phil we all want.
“First of all, to be happy and enjoy football is most important. If he feels good, he can help us win titles.”
Maresca will take charge of City for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong.
Despite losing the experience and knowhow of Guardiola, captain Bernardo Silva and England defender John Stones, Foden feels City can achieve “amazing things” next season.
Speaking at the club’s new Puma away kit launch in Hong Kong, Foden said: “I think we can win everything, but it’s obviously hard. We have still got an unbelievable team.”
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