Phil Foden might have been a teammate of Sergio Aguero, but he certainly reacted as a Manchester City fan when receiving praise from the Argentine recently.
Foden and Aguero had a close relationship when the Englishman was breaking into the first team towards the end of Aguero's glittering decade at City. Famously, Foden was a ballboy as a youngster in the City academy, notably in some games during the 2012 run-in when the Blues won their first Premier League title.
Last month, Aguero described Foden as his favourite City player in a Twitter question and answer session when asked if he still loved his former teammate. In response, he said : "My favourite player now."
ALSO READ: Dortmund adviser gives significant Erling Haaland to Man City clue
This week, Foden has responded to the praise, saying he couldn't believe Aguero had given him such a high compliment.
"When I seen that I couldn't really believe he said that," he told CityTV, also reflecting on his journey through the age groups at City. "Obviously being a ball boy and growing up watching him play and then actually getting to play with him. So for him to say that is extra special.
"Sometimes they say to me how have I done it. When I was younger I kept my head down and always believed I'd play at Man City and I'm happy it paid off.
"It was a dream come true going through the academy at every age group and staying at City for so long. I don't think many players have actually done that so it's extra special to wear the City shirt and have the fans behind me.
"I'm confident in myself and believe in myself but I try not to think that far ahead. I just play the game and that's it really. I just take it game by game and want to be the best player in that and see where it takes me."
Foden also gave an insight into working under Pep Guardiola, calling his manager 'crazy' and offering an insight into how City players react to the regular tactical changes they are asked to implement.
He said: "Very crazy, he's obsessed with football, pushes us every day and that's just the kind of person he is. He wants more.
"You can never know what he's going to do, always mixing it up, changing people's position. People on the bench coming on can make a big impact.
Get your free William Hill shop bet and special Cheltenham Festival pull-out with your Manchester Evening News every day from Tuesday to Friday this week. Follow this link for more details
"Everyone plays all year round, we all have to be ready. He always has ideas that always seem to work. We always believe in that and try to take it onto the pitch."
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
