Manchester City prospect Phil Foden is adamant his future is at the Premier League champions and has no plans to follow Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz in seeking first-team football elsewhere.
England Under-21 international Foden made his senior City debut as a 17-year-old last season and has gone on to make 16 appearances across all competitions this term, including a goal-scoring outing in their 7-0 FA Cup hammering of Rotherham United on Sunday.
The creative midfielder signed a new long-term contract towards the end of 2018 and Pep Guardiola is known to be a big admirer of the 18-year-old, but is yet to hand Foden a Premier League start and the teenager was absent from the matchday 18 for Thursday s 2-1 win over Liverpool.
It was announced on Sunday that Diaz had agreed a move to Real Madrid, making him the second young star after Sancho to escape the clutches of City.
Sancho left for Borussia Dortmund in 2017, soon establishing himself as a key player for the Bundesliga leaders and breaking into the England squad at 18, but Foden is remaining patient, adamant he is in the right place for his development.
A delighted speaks after netting his first goal at the Etihad
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
It shows the strength of the squad we have here, how good the players are – it is difficult to get in, but we all try our best, Foden told reporters.
It s up to them [Diaz and Sancho], really – they have gone their separate ways, and everyone has their own plan in what they want to do, so fair play to them.
Everyone is different, and I see myself playing here. It s up to them, really.
We ve got the best set of players and the best staff, so I m in the right position. I m learning off them every day, so I couldn t be in a better place.
I m sad to see him [Diaz] go, but he wants opportunities, so good luck to him. He will do well, I know it.
I grew up with him and know his qualities, so I know he ll do well. Maybe one day I ll face him in the Champions League.
