MANCHESTER -- Manchester City youngster Phil Foden said "it meant everything" to him to make his first-team debut in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Feyenoord.
The Stockport-born midfielder, who turned 17 in May, became the club's youngest-ever Champions League player and the 35th youngest in the competition's history, when he replaced Yaya Toure in the 75th minute.
There has been plenty of excitement surrounding the teenager since his starring role at the Under-17 World Cup in October where he won the Golden Boy award for best player of the tournament after England's triumph.
Foden and 18-year-old Spanish forward Brahim Diaz, who was also used as a substitute in the win over Feyenoord, have been training with the first-team all season during their club-record run of 17 successive wins.
"It was an amazing experience. I'm happy for me and Brahim to get game time and hopefully we can get more if we get our heads down and keep working hard," said Foden, who is a City fan and has been at the club since playing for the U9s.
"It meant everything. I've waited so long for this opportunity and it finally came and meant everything to me. It's brilliant to be around players like David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne and learn every day from them. It's an honour to be involved with the squad."
The victory maintained City's 100 percent start to the Champions League and, coupled with Napoli's victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the other group game, ensured City will top their standings.
Pep Guardiola's side still have to travel to Ukraine to face Shakhtar and the teenagers could get more game time if the City boss decides to make changes for the match on Nov. 6 -- four days before the derby with closest Premier League rivals Manchester United.
"I'm happy because I think we are working hard and it's good to get some game time. And also thank you to the staff for making this moment and all my family," Brahim said.
"You need to play simple, you need to play your way and not be nervous. I think we did it and I'm really happy for the opportunity. We just need to work hard and keep training hard and whenever they need us, we will play."