Phil Foden: Man City midfielder aims to repay 'faith' shown in him by club with 'fresh start'

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."

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