Manchester City star Phil Foden is eager to reward the club's unwavering loyalty as he embarks on a new chapter under incoming head coach Enzo Maresca.
After a spectacular 2023-24 campaign where he netted 19 times to help secure the Premier League title and scooped up both the PFA Player of the Year and league Player of the Season awards, the 26-year-old midfielder has experienced a notable dip in form. Foden managed just 10 goals last season and is currently enduring a 31-match goal drought across all competitions for both club and country.
Despite the recent slump, the reigning Premier League champions doubled down on their commitment to the academy graduate. Last month, Foden penned a four-year extension that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium through 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 explained. "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."
This season marks a massive transition for City following the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola, who famously handed a 17-year-old Foden his senior debut. During Guardiola's tenure, Foden amassed 369 appearances and captured a staggering trophy haul that includes six league titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League crown.
Stepping into Guardiola's shoes is Italian tactician Enzo Maresca, a familiar face who previously cut his teeth in City's academy and served as a first-team assistant.
"Very good—a fresh start, a new manager and up to now, really enjoying it," Foden said of the summer transition. "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."
The change in club leadership comes on the heels of international heartbreak. While Foden started for England during their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, he was surprisingly omitted from Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Watching from afar was difficult for the midfielder as the Three Lions ultimately bowed out in a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Demonstrating strong man-management skills, Maresca personally contacted Foden following the national team snub to check on his well-being.
"He 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," Foden shared. "He cares about everyone and wants to have a good relationship with the team."