Manchester City star Phil Foden says it “would be really sad” if manager Pep Guardiola were to leave the club next year.
Having steered his side to a record fourth successive title, Guardiola raised the prospect that he will depart when his contract expires at the end of next season, saying “the reality is I am closer to leaving than staying”.
“I’ve not known any other thing apart from him, so it’ll be strange when he does go,” Foden – the newly crowned Premier League Player of the Year – told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
“I don’t want to think too much about it. I want to enjoy the things we’re doing now with him.”
Foden praised the Spaniard for helping improve his game, saying he “simplifies football”.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed his best season yet at the Etihad, scoring 19 Premier League goals and providing eight assists as City won a sixth title in seven seasons.
City’s triumph represented manager Guardiola’s 17th trophy since joining the club in 2016.
“I feel like there’s other managers out there who complicate it a little bit,” Foden said.
“The best advice he gave me this season was just ‘don’t try and be Phil Foden in every action’, and I feel like that advice really went a long way.
“I’ve been here for a long time now working with the manager. And I think now is the time for me to step up and try and be the man who’s going to score the goals. I knew what I was capable of doing this season, it’s so good to say that I’ve had a good season and I want to continue to play well.”