Phil Foden sets sights on achievement that ‘may never be done again’ after winning Footballer of the Year award
PHIL FODEN says Manchester City must take their chance to win a fourth straight Premier League title on Sunday — as it may never be done again.
Pep Guardiola’s men will ensure they become the first club in England to achieve the feat by beating West Ham at home.
Foden has been key to their success and picked up the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.
And the forward said of achieving four titles in a row: “It would mean a lot to us because it’s never been done before.
“It’s history and I don’t think I can ever see it being done again.
“It’s something the team understands and we’re looking forward to trying to get it done.”
Foden, still only 23, has scored 25 goals and picked up 11 assists in all competitions for City this season as he chases a SIXTH Prem crown.
But the England star believes there is more to come from him in the future.
He added: “I’m playing with a lot of confidence, I’m playing in a position where I can affect the game a lot more, playing more centrally, and I feel my game has gone up another level.
“I’m still only 23, there’s a lot more to come. Working with Pep who, for me, is the best manager in the world is only going to help me.
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“I feel like my game has come on massively this year. Now I’m getting the rewards I’ve worked so hard for.”
A win guarantees the title — and City will still finish top if they match second-placed Arsenal’s result against Everton.
After playing the Hammers, City will have six days to prepare to face neighbours Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley for a second successive year.
Then Foden can turn his attention to trying to help England win the Euro 2024 finals.
He added: “If we can win these next two finals we’ll go into the tournament full of confidence.”
Foden picked up the FWA Player of the Year with 42 per cent of the vote to beat City team-mate Rodri and Gunners’ ace Declan Rice.
It was a double triumph for City as Bunny Shaw picked up the Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
Meanwhile, City star Kevin De Bruyne never expected to be on the brink of a sixth Prem title when he joined Manchester City’s OAPs nine years ago.
The Belgian, 32, is the longest-serving player in Guardiola’s squad, having joined for £54million back in 2015.
When he first arrived in Manchester, the City squad was full of ageing legends like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva.
KDB, bought from Wolfsburg said: “When I came here, it was a very different team — full of legends who won before and an older team.
“In Pep’s first season, a lot of people were in their 30s so we needed a rebuild and I was probably one of the first pieces at the time.
“I would have never expected to win five titles or all the things we have done. It’s been pretty incredible.”
Inside humble Phil Foden's family life
By Jon Boon
PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life…