FROM Match of the Day to catch of the day – Phil Foden is a man of all talents.
The England international has been Manchester City’s star man this term and has them firing towards a Premier League and FA Cup double.
Following on from last season’s treble, the 23-year-old has scored 24 goals this term with his displays already landing him one of the game’s most prestigious player of the year prizes.
However, when he is not kicking the ball into the back of the net, he loves nothing more than pulling a monster out of one.
Foden developed a love of fishing as a youngster from his father, Phil Snr, and it remains a top dad and lad hobby for the pair whenever the hotshot has time off from football.
The City man explained previously: “Probably about 95 per cent of the football lads don’t enjoy it.
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“The odd one likes fishing, so when people find out they say: ‘what a weird sport to enjoy’. They don’t understand why you enjoy it.
“Obviously, they need to go and try it. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”
Foden missed the City players’ 2018 Premier League title celebrations due to a pre-planned fishing trip with his dad.
And he has shared several of his top catches on social media from his trips to lakes across the UK and in Spain, which was the location of his biggest catch yet – a HUGE 130LB Catfish.
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Foden told City’s website previously: “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s and said we should go and try it out.
“I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch. It wasn’t very big, I was just learning, but it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.
“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and to spend time with my dad.
“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.
“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths…
“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch.”
Even though his dad undoubtedly remains his favourite to fish with, there is also one other man that he would love to cast out next to.
He revealed: “If I had to spend all day fishing and could take one person with me, that would be [Lionel] Messi. He’s been my idol since I was little.”
Foden also revealed that he is no slouch when it comes to throwing arrows – even without practice.
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He added: “I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing. I do like darts, but I don’t really play.
“We have a dartboard when I’m with England and a few of the lads say I’m a natural. We don’t really compete, but sometimes I hit a 180 and they’ll be gobsmacked.”
Three ways Phil Foden has been transformed into Man City, and England’s, most important player
By Lee Scott
PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
