Guardiola speculates on the future of ‘special’ Man City player | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has speculated on what the future could hold for Manchester City’s Phil Foden, with the star’s contract nearing its end.

Just 18 months remain on the 25-year-old’s current deal with the club. 

“You’re right. Completely right,” City’s boss answered when asked if he would like to keep hold of the attacker for many years to come.

“A special player, Man City fan, from the Academy. No doubt about that.”

Asked about current discussions on a contract extension for the Englishman, Guardiola claimed to be out of the loop.

“No idea, but hopefully he is going to stay for all of his career here.

“But I don’t know him, his agent, the club. I don’t know.”

Foden earned the praise of his manager on Saturday, after scoring twice against Leeds United. It was his injury-time winner that moved City up to second in the Premier League table.

After the match, the 25-year-old commented that he now feels like more of a leader within the team. In response, Guardiola insisted: “On the pitch, he always has been like that.

“Vocally, he is not a guy who talks much in the dressing room, but on the pitch he never hides behind the scenes and never hides behind what’s going on.

“He always took responsibility from day one. He always has been an incredible presence on the pitch.”

Foden rose through City’s academy and has since made over 300 appearances for his boyhood club, establishing himself as one of the best players in the world. On the prospect of him one day captaining the side, Guardiola said: “If he wants to, yeah.

“If he wants to become captain yeah. But in the end, the captains became captains from themselves, from their behaviour on and off the pitch. So it depends on him.”