Why does Phil Foden wear number 47? Man City star turned down Sergio Aguero’s shirt for sticking to unusual numbers

Phil Foden has cemented his place as Manchester City’s main man this season, but he still wears an unconventional number.

The City midfielder was hailed as the Premier League’s champion player of the year after dazzling in his now iconic number 47.

2

The England international has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Citizens and enjoyed his best goalscoring season in the Premier League.

Attacking midfielders such as Foden traditionally wear the ten jersey.

However, Jack Grealish claimed those numbers when he swapped Aston Villa for Man City in the summer of 2021.

Why does Foden wear number 47?

47 was Foden’s first shirt number at City and has worn it since his debut with the Citizens in 2017.

And the reason he kept the shirt is incredibly heartwarming and poignant.

Foden’s late grandfather Ronnie died when he was just 47, and the England international uses his jersey as a constant tribute to his grandfather.

Ronnie has been a huge City fan all his life and would no doubt be extremely proud of his grandson’s achievements, considering he is only 23 years old.

2

However, Foden was given the opportunity to change his shirt but decided against it.

Once it was announced that Sergio Agüero would be leaving the Etihad in 2021, the Argentine offered his number ten shirt to the local star.

But Foden refused because he wanted people to remember the number 47.

Speaking about Agüero’s 2022 offer, he said: “I’ve thought about it.

“The ten jersey is a very important number in the club, but I just have a weakness for the 47.

“I would like to create my own legacy and keep this number.”