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.
Foden 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.
The 26-year-old has been given a new lease on life after signing 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.
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.
Foden has been enjoying the fresh start under Maresca, saying: "It is very strange but I know Enzo from before, so that also helps. I know him quite well and what [he] is about." Maresca has also shown his support for Foden, reaching out to him after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The England international has struggled with a combination of off-field issues and an ankle injury, but says he is now "fully fit". Maresca will take charge of City for the first time in Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong.
Foden believes City can achieve "amazing things" next season, despite losing the experience and knowhow of Guardiola, captain Bernardo Silva and England defender John Stones. "I think we can win everything, but it's obviously hard. We have still got an unbelievable team," he said.
Maresca has given his backing to Foden, saying: "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." With Foden's new contract and Maresca's support, the midfielder is ready to repay the faith shown in him and give back to the football club.
The friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong will be a chance for Foden to prove himself under Maresca's management, and for the team to show their potential under their new boss. With the new season just around the corner, City fans will be eagerly awaiting Foden's performance and the team's chances of achieving success.
Source: BBC Sports