Phil Foden breaks silence after Pep Guardiola snub as Man City star sends clear message

Phil Foden has broken his silence following Manchester City's 4-2 win over Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old midfielder, who scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening, was benched this weekend with Kevin De Bruyne reintroduced to the starting lineup.

The Belgium international fired the reigning Premier League champions to victory at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, finding the net twice. While Pep Guardiola's decision to rest Foden was certainly vindicated, many supporters would have liked to see the Englishman feature in south London.

"It was difficult [to leave him out] but not just him, all the guys as a manager when you don’t allow players to play," said the Manchester City boss in a pre-match interview with TNT Sports. "My decisions are tough, always. But it is a lot of games, we have a lot.

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"Look at the game Phil played against Arsenal, 96 minutes, and friendly games with the national team - he could not move. So, it is a lot of games and that is why we decide for that."

Guardiola added: "I thought a lot to let them play, there is more at a time after we arrive early to Manchester back but tomorrow we travel to Madrid. I would love to have Phil on the pitch, I am not stupid, I would like to see him but there is a lot of games, a lot of players, and that is why I decide for that."

After the game, Foden marked the win with a celebratory post on social media. Taking to Instagram, he reposted the club's full-time graphic on his story and, remaining coy, he simply typed out one 'raising hands' emoji.

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