Phil Foden has spoken of his determination to repay Manchester City's faith in him as he embraces what he calls a "fresh start" under new manager Enzo Maresca.

The 26-year-old midfielder endured a difficult two seasons after his standout 2023-24 campaign, during which he scored 19 goals, claimed the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award, and helped City lift the Premier League title. Since then, he has managed just 10 league goals last term and has gone 31 appearances without scoring for club and country.

Despite that downturn in form, City showed their commitment to Foden by offering him a new deal. He signed a four-year contract last month, tying him to Etihad Stadium until 2030.

"It has made me feel relaxed and I can just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the football club for them trusting in me," Foden said. "It's about time I try and repay them and give back to the club."

Foden was handed his City debut by Pep Guardiola at just 17 years old and has since gone on to make 369 appearances for the club, collecting six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, and two FA Cups along the way. Guardiola departed at the close of last season, with Maresca — a former City academy coach and first-team assistant — stepping in as his successor.

A familiar face in the dugout

Foden described the transition to Maresca's regime as smoother than expected, crediting their existing relationship for easing the changeover.

"It is very strange but I know Enzo from before, so that also helps. I know him quite well and what he is about. That has definitely helped, to have that relationship with him," Foden said.

Maresca also reached out to Foden personally after the midfielder was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup — a tournament in which England reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to Argentina. Foden had started in England's 2024 European Championship final defeat to Spain.

"He reached out just after to see if it was OK, which was very nice of him, to show us this character and the person he is. He cares about everyone and wants to have a good relationship with the team," Foden said.

Maresca backs Foden to rediscover his best

Foden also confirmed he has fully recovered from an ankle injury that, combined with off-field difficulties, hampered last season. Maresca, speaking ahead of City's pre-season friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, was clear about Foden's value to the squad.

"Phil is very important, like the rest. Knowing Phil from years ago, I know how good he is. It is my duty to help him be the Phil we all want. First of all, to be happy and enjoy football is most important. If he feels good, he can help us win titles," Maresca said.

With Guardiola, captain Bernardo Silva, and defender John Stones among those no longer at the club, City face a new era. Yet Foden, speaking at the launch of City's new Puma away kit in Hong Kong, remained bullish about the season ahead.

"I think we can win everything, but it's obviously hard. We have still got an unbelievable team," he said.