CITY SPECIAL Aguero is fan of Foden after dream debut
SERGIO Aguero has delivered his verdict on City starlet Phil Foden, declaring “I love you, Phil!”
The 17-year-old from Stockport was handed his first senior game against United in front of a 67,000 crowd in Houston – and was the Blues’ star player, despite their 2-0 defeat. He later revealed how Aguero has taken him under his wing on the training ground to help him adapt to life with the first team squad.
“He is a great guy, you want to learn from players like that, so it’s good to get close to players like that…” Foden was telling City TV, unaware that Aguero was walking behind him.
Aguero stopped and congratulated Foden on his performance, saying: “Well done Phil!”
On being told that Foden had just been expressing his affection for Kun, Aguero replied: “I love you too!”
Foden was one of the three stars of last season’s FA Youth Cup campaign who have all been moved up to the first team squad in pre-season.
Pep Guardiola had been impressed with the youngster and backed his judgment by handing Foden a start.
Guardiola later said that those present were lucky to have been there when he played his first game, describing Foden as “a gift”.
The teenager is now hoping to play against Real Madrid in Los Angeles next Wednesday, although he was still a little stunned at what had happened to him in Texas.
And he revealed how his mum had saved the day after he got a late call-up to join the tour party, and arrived at Manchester Airport without his passport.
Luckily, his parents live just 15 minutes away, and mum sorted everything out. “I was quite surprised. I found out a week before but was delighted to get the call-up,” he said. “I got the call-up at the last minute and my mum had to bring my passport just before the flight… so thanks to my mum!” That allowed him to make his first start and Foden is still coming to terms with what has happened. “Being at City from being young, I’ve always wanted to play for the first team and to make my debut… I’d like to thank Pep for trusting me in a massive game like this,” he said. “It was a dream come true. “Hopefully, I’ve impressed Pep and he can give me a start if he believes in me again. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. Playing against Pogba and players like that doesn’t seem real – I’m only 17 so I don’t really know… I’m just delighted. “It means a lot. He’s such a great manager – I’ve learned a lot from him and appreciate him for starting me.”