Phil Foden is eager to show his gratitude to Manchester City after putting pen to paper on a new deal, and he feels ready to hit the reset button under the guidance of new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The 26-year-old has pledged his long-term future to the club with a fresh four-year contract that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030. This comes after two campaigns where he struggled to replicate the performances that earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Season and the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year accolades. Foden says the club’s unwavering belief in him has given him the peace of mind to concentrate on rediscovering his top form.
Foden’s new deal and the club’s confidence
Foden has admitted that the new agreement has made him feel more at ease and more driven to validate the faith Manchester City has shown in him. He expressed a desire to repay the club for standing by him during a challenging period.
Having made his senior debut at 17 under Pep Guardiola, Foden has racked up 369 appearances for City, lifting six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and two FA Cups. Last month, he signed an extension that secures his future until 2030.
While he netted 19 goals during the 2023-24 title-winning season, his tally dropped to 10 last term, and he has gone 31 matches without a goal for both club and country.
Maresca’s arrival and a clean slate
Foden sees the appointment of Enzo Maresca as a chance to start anew. Having worked with the Italian during his earlier stint at Manchester City, the midfielder believes their prior connection has smoothed the transition.
The England international said he is relishing the chance to work under the new boss and feels at ease with Maresca’s methods. He added that knowing the coach on a personal level has allowed him to adapt quickly to the new setup.
Maresca has also highlighted Foden’s value to the team, stating that it is his job to help the midfielder get back to his finest form. He emphasized that enjoying the game and staying happy are crucial if Foden is to help City chase more silverware.
England setback and a return to full fitness
Foden featured in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain but was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad. He admitted that watching England’s games from home was tough, especially during the national anthem.
The midfielder revealed that Maresca reached out to him right after the squad announcement to see how he was doing, a gesture Foden valued and saw as a sign of the manager’s empathy and his bond with the players.
Having dealt with personal issues and an ankle injury last season, Foden says he is now in peak condition and completely focused on getting back to his best.
City gearing up for the season ahead
Manchester City will kick off the Maresca era with a friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, which will be the Italian’s first game in charge.
Even with the exits of Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones, Foden is confident the squad still has what it takes to contend for every major trophy. He said City remains a formidable side and is capable of achieving big things in the upcoming season.