Phil Foden, a star for Manchester City, has been candid about the possibility of quitting the team in the future.
Since the Abu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City in 2008, the forward has come to represent the accomplishments of the club’s youth academy programme. Foden has advanced from the smallest age group in the system to first team stardom.
Since making his senior debut in the 2016–17 season, the 23-year-old has amassed an incredible 67 goals and 47 assists for the team across all competitions, along with a sizable trophy haul to go along with his individual stats.
But as the 2023–24 season draws to a conclusion, Foden has arguably assumed his largest role yet for Pep Guardiola’s team, having already played nearly 2,000 minutes.
However, Foden has talked about the possibility of one day leaving his childhood team and going on new adventures in European football.
“No, really,” Foden replied in a club interview. I just think of myself as a City player all the time.
“I always just assumed that if I put in enough effort and am aware of my abilities, I can push in the team and eventually get more minutes, which is probably the most minutes I’ve received this year,” the player said.
“Well, I’ve put in a lot of effort, and I owe the manager a debt of gratitude for believing in me and letting me stay on the team.”
The supporters of Manchester City will find it to be melodious. Although City’s young ranks have not historically produced an abundance of talent, things are beginning to change as the academy structure starts to function more like a conveyor belt.
Although Foden has long been the system’s jewel, in recent seasons his success story has opened doors for others.
Two goals apiece from Oscar Bobb and Micah Hamilton, two of Manchester City’s young players, helped the Blues defeat group-stage rivals Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in the Champions League.
