PHIL FODEN proved he is a family man after leaving England’s Euro squad for the birth of his third child.
The Manchester City star, 24, returned home yesterday for an “urgent family matter” as his partner Rebecca Cooke, 22, prepares to welcome another child into their home.
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Fans are now praying that Foden returns to Germany in time for England’s round of 16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday.
Along with his teammates, the playmaker has been criticized for some underwhelming performances in this summer’s tournament.
But Foden’s dedication and effort when it comes to his loved ones cannot be questioned.
The Treble winner and Rebecca are childhood school sweethearts who reportedly met at a party in Stockport.
They already share two children: son Ronnie, 5, and daughter True, 2
And the loved-up couple announced they were expecting a third child with a baby shower in April.
Foden has now rushed to be by Rebecca’s side in times of need, when she is normally the one making the arduous journeys across Europe to watch him play football.
And he will be ready for another “special moment” after previously revealing he cried when his first child, Ronnie, was born.
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Foden said: “I was there for the birth. I left the room, had a little tear and came back as if nothing had happened.
“I’m not one to cry in front of people. I like being alone, but I was there in the room, I saw everything happen and it was a special moment.”
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Meanwhile, son Ronnie will certainly be spending time in hospital with his social media stardom, as the sprog has an incredible four MILLION followers on Instagram.
He made headlines last month when he brazenly tried to open a bottle of champagne as City celebrated their latest title triumph.
And grandparents Phil and Claire are likely to help after Foden bought them a luxurious £2.8million mansion in 2018.
The trio stayed at the luxurious Cheshire home until Foden moved out in 2021.
He then spent £3 million on another mansion in nearby Prestbury, where he now resides with Rebecca and their children.
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Foden and his family live just five minutes away from his parents, ensuring they remain a close-knit unit.
And it also means the Premier League Player of the Year can continue to fish with his father.
From carp to catfish, the pair love fishing for anything with gills.
And six-time title winner Foden even skipped City’s celebrations in 2018 to go on a pre-planned fishing trip with his father.
In fact, the ace took his love of rod and reel to England’s training base in Germany for the Euros.
Foden claims to have caught several monsters in the nearby lakes, saying: “I had a bit of time to fish, so it was good.
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“(I caught) some big fish, caught some good fish.”
However, Foden admits his love of fishing is not shared by his teammates.
He previously revealed: “Probably around 95 per cent of football lads don’t like it.
“The stranger likes fishing, so when people find out they say ‘what a strange sport to play’. They don’t understand why you like it.
“Obviously they need to try. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and relax.”
But Foden insists he will never stop loving fishing as it gives him time to appreciate his relationship with his father, Phil Sr.
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He added: “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod from his dad and said we should go and try it.
“I fell in love 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 thrill 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 relax and relax and spend time with my dad.
“I think it’s really nice after games when you have to rest your legs and I think that’s really fun.
“There are tactics. Knowing where to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths.
“There’s a lot that goes into it, but when I have a few days off, I fish it simply. I’m no expert on this but I can still get it.
“I generally love all types of sports, but I don’t do anything other than fishing.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
