Understanding the Deep and Emotional Connect Behind Phil Foden’s ‘47’ Neck Tattoo

Having an ink is for life! Ask anyone with a tattoo. The inks usually have a special message behind them. Well, Manchester City superstar Phil Foden is no different. The English superstar has proved his worth over the years as one of the best-emerging players in the world. The 23-year-old has already become a cornerstone for Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City. However, unbeknownst to many, a lot of credit goes to his late grandfather!

Growing up in Manchester, where more than half the populace supported Manchester United, Phil Foden’s grandfather Ronnie Foden was an avid Manchester City fan. His love for the club is one of the many reasons why the youngster opted for the blue side of Manchester. Unfortunately for the family, Ronnie passed away at the young age of 47 when his grandson had just taken up football.

However, his memory played a huge role in shaping Foden’s career, with the player getting his grandfather’s age inked on his neck. The love for his late grandfather doesn’t stop there, as despite having the chance to inherit Sergio Aguero’s iconic number 10 jersey, Phil Foden went for the number 47.

Phil Foden comments on snubbing number 10 jersey at Manchester City

A lot of young players growing up want to wear the iconic jersey numbers 7 and 10. The two numbers have been worn by icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham, amongst many others. However, Phil Foden seems to have a mind of his own with the player rejecting Sergio Aguero’s iconic number 10 jersey to stick with number 47.

Before departing for Barcelona, Sergio Aguero felt Foden was the perfect candidate to inherit his number and offered the number 10 kit to Phil Foden. However, it wasn’t enough to convince the player to part with his trusty digits. The Englishman commented on his decision in an interview stating, “I did think about it. The ten shirt is such a big number in the club. But I just have a thing with 47. I’d like to create my own legacy and keep that number.”

Phil Foden has worn the jersey number 47 ever since breaking into Pep Guardiola’s first-team at Manchester City. Over the years, the jersey has become synonymous with the Englishman with many young fans spotted donning the winger’s numbers. With how Foden has been performing this season, it wouldn’t be a mistake to say the player had every right to forge his own path.