- Phil Foden came on to make his senior debut against Feyenoord on Tuesday
- Pep Guardiola sent the 17-year-old on with 15 minutes left to play at 0-0
- He said it ‘meant everything’ when Manchester City fans chanted his name
- Raheem Sterling scored a late winner in the 1-0 win as City topped their group
Phil Foden revealed supporters chanting his name ‘meant everything’ on his Manchester City debut.
Pep Guardiola sent for the 17-year-old with the Champions League tie against Feyenoord goalless, with Raheem Sterling netting a late winner.
Foden played 15 minutes at the Etihad Stadium and was seen blowing kisses to some behind Guardiola’s dugout at full-time.
Phil Foden (left) revealed it ‘meant everything’ when Man City supporters chanted his name
The youngster enjoyed a winning start to his City career as Raheem Sterling netted late on
‘It meant everything. I’ve waited so long for this opportunity and it finally came and meant everything to me,’ Foden said – before revealing that a lack of mobile reception in the dressing room made him wait for a stream of congratulatory text messages.
‘It was an amazing experience,’ he added.
Foden is the first player born this millennium to star in a City shirt and Guardiola challenged him to eventually cement a first-team place.
The midfielder has leaned on Sergio Aguero in training and paid tribute to a number of mentors around the City Football Academy.
‘It’s brilliant to be around players like David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne and learn every day from them,’ Foden added. ‘It’s an honour to be involved with the squad.’
Pep Guardiola sent the 17-year-old on with 15 minutes left to play against Feyenoord
Foden was praised by team-mates before receiving a wave of congratulatory texts off friends
Brahim Diaz was also introduced late on, making just his second appearance in a City shirt. The Spaniard, nine months older than Foden, said the pair are ready to be called upon again.
‘We just need to work hard and keep training hard and whenever they need us, we will play,’ Diaz said.
‘You need to play simple, you need to play your way and not be nervous. I think we did it and I’m really happy for the opportunity so I hoped the chance would come and I’m really happy.’