Manchester City star Phil Foden admitted it is a ‘dream come true’ to play in the Champions League for his beloved club – alongside one of his close pals.
City bounced back from a 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in their European opener to smash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday night with Foden being awarded the man of the match.
The England international finished the game with a goal and two assists but he was more happy to see his good friend and fellow academy graduate James McAtee flourish.
The attacking midfielder came off the bench to score his first Champions League goal while Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland also netted in the resounding win.
Phil Foden put on a masterful display with a goal and two assists in the Champions League
Reuters
When asked what it felt like as a City lad to play in the Champions League, Foden said: “It is a dream come true.
“We’ve worked hard for it. Macca’s [James McAtee] had a few loans and is doing really well.
“He’s a talented boy so we’re going to need him this season with all the games so he needs to be ready.
“After the draw last time out we had to get the win, our aim is to finish in the top half so we’re on the right track now.
“I don’t think it was easy. It was tough to break them down and we have to give them respect. The atmosphere was unbelievable. We did the job.
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“I had more chances to score and a few of the other lads did too. Delighted with 4-0 but we could’ve had a few more.
“It was nice to be back out there and score. I am feeling okay now. It has been a slow start to the season after the Euros but I’m slowly getting there.”
McAtee, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, is one of several academy prospects that are highly fancied with fellow graduates including Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb, as well as Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia who have since joined Chelsea.
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Phil Foden was over the moon for his mate James McAtee to score his first Champions League goal
Reuters
The 21-year-old was also in dreamland after netting the fourth goal for City and said: “I am buzzing to score, could’ve had another five minutes after but I’m pleased to get one.
“It’s what every kid dreams of, a dream come true.
“It was a tough year last year for me, so it’s good to be back and playing under the best manager in the world in my opinion.”
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James McAtee is in dreamland after scoring his first Champions League goal
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City are now unbeaten in each of their last 25 Champions League games having won 17 and drawn eight – which is the joint-longest run in European history.
Another undefeated display will beat their close rivals Manchester United’s record, who went unbeaten between September 2007 and May 2009.
And Pep Guardiola will fancy his chances when they host Sparta Praha at the Etihad for their third Champions League game of the season on October 23.