Phil Foden reveals emotional link between Man City squad number and middle name

Phil Foden has revealed the link between his Manchester City squad number and his middle name.

Foden has become a central cog in City’s midfield and attack this season, having already netted 11 goals in his 29 appearances.

The England international, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side that won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble last season, has taken more responsibility this campaign upon Kevin De Bruyne’s five months absence through a hamstring injury.

And despite the City academy graduates’ influential status at the club, he still dons the 47 shirt - a number that would traditionally be reserved for an emerging talent rather than an established star.

But Foden has revealed that 47 holds a sentimental value.

Earlier this season, Foden posted a picture on Instagram in which the 23-year-old was proudly holding up a certificate detailing that he had passed his driving test.

At the time, fans on social media were quick to ridicule Foden’s middle name - Walter.

But speaking to CNN Foden explained why he was given the name and the emotional link it had to his squad number at City.

Phil Foden wears No. 47 for his grandad, Walter 💙

(via @CNNFC) pic.twitter.com/e3EwJWW28J

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 25, 2024

The England star said: “It comes from my grandad to be fair. I don’t think many people realised that was my middle name, so they were quite surprised when I posted it online to see that it was Walter.

“The age that he passed away was ‘47’, so that’s why I have the shirt ‘47’. It’s special to me and that’s why I like to wear ‘47’ as well.”

When asked what Foden’s late grandad would have made of his success, Foden replied: “Unbelievable to be honest. He always said to me that I would be a footballer, but maybe wouldn’t have thought I would achieve so much at such a young age.”