Phil Foden reveals the meaning behind his new celebration and the nickname he's been given by teammates

Phil Foden has revealed the meaning behind his new celebration debuted in his stunning hat-trick for Manchester City against Brentford on Monday.

City found themselves 1-0 down to a surprise Neal Maupay strike against the run of play but Foden stepped up to the mark with his second Premier League hat-trick.

He levelled matters on the stroke of half-time, headed City into the lead and then made it 3-1 after some lovely combination play with Erling Haaland.

After all three strikes, Foden performed the same gun-like gesture with his hands while he knelt on the turf.

The celebration was similar to the trademark gesture from former Manchester United, PSG and Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

Image: Getty

But Foden, who won the Man of the Match award for his display, revealed his new celebration is a direct result of what his teammates have been saying about him in training.

Speaking to City presenter FG on the club's Matchday Live coverage, Foden said:

"It’s a bit of banter between me and the lads. They say I shoot a lot in the five-a-side games. They call me the sniper.”

Foden now has eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season, thriving in a central attacking midfield position.

Image: Getty

He has two PFA Young Player of the Year awards under his belt but manager Pep Guardiola believes he is enjoying his best season in sky blue.

"We needed it [Foden's performance] today," Guardiola told a press conference after the Brentford win, as per ESPN.

"I think Phil is playing ... the most [influential] season for the team in terms of goals, assists. How he played simple, how he can be more aggressive. He has the pleasure to score the goals and the threat when he's close to their box. Always he is there.

"So he's an exceptional, exceptional player. He is [young] and already has more than 250 games for City, that shows the impact he has had since he arrived."

City, with a game in hand, are now just two points off Liverpool and host Everton in their next fixture on Saturday.

Topics: Phil Foden, Manchester City, Premier League, Brentford

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_