Midfielder stayed away from football for some time in order to rest; Foden returned to action with a goal and assist against Wydad
Phil Foden says he feels like a new man after a disappointing 2024-25 season with Manchester City. The 24-year-old England star is ready to prove his critics wrong.
Foden finished last season with just 10 goals and 6 assists in 45 games – a big drop from his form in the 2023-24 season that saw him win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
A nagging ankle injury didn’t help, and many felt he looked tired and out of rhythm. Foden himself said that he needed some time away from football, citing physical and mental exhaustion.
But after taking a rare extended break this summer, even from the England squad, Foden has returned with fresh energy. The midfielder had a strong showing in City’s friendly win over Wydad Casablanca in Florida on Wednesday, scoring within two minutes of the start of proceedings and later setting up a goal for Jeremy Doku via a corner kick.
“New start, new me,” said Foden after the game. “The time off was very beneficial. Not a lot of footballers these days get much time off, so it’s very important. I can’t remember the last time I had a break like that to be honest.
“I struggled to switch off completely but I just rested with the family, did my own thing and I needed it. Now the hunger inside me is back and I want to prove people wrong.”
Foden had missed the England call-up because he asked new England boss Thomas Tuchel to leave him out so he could recharge. The break seems to have worked.
Reacting to his performance against Wydad, Foden said: “I’ve been working hard on things that I can improve and I tried to take them into the game. I’m happy to get back among the goals and create chances as well.”
