Homegrown City hero Lewis prioritises winning respect over trophies

Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis says winning the respect and trust of his team-mates is more important than the trophies he collects during his career.

Lewis won the Treble with City last season after impressively breaking into Pep Guardiola's first team and making 27 appearances in all competitions.

At just 18, the versatile academy graduate has already lifted more silverware than most.

But according to the England Under-21s international, he is more focused on being a player his colleagues can rely on.

Speaking on Man City's official podcast, Lewis said: "My goals have never been to win trophies, it's to be someone who people look to in the team.

"I looked up to Ilkay Gundogan, who was amazing last year. A lot of the players, even the older players, looked up to him because he was reliable in the team.

"I know I played my role but I'm talking like Gundo last year, he was so important to how we played in nearly every game. Rodrigo pretty much played every game.

"In the middle of the season when I was playing a lot more people were happy to see me there but at the start of the season it was a shock to everyone. Being a regular will come with time, I hope."

Lewis has started one of City's four games this term but appears to have won the trust of his decorated boss, who regularly praises the teen sensation.

The youngster added: "It means more than anything to me to get praise from someone like Pep.

"I have watched him coach for years so for him to be talking about me, it doesn't really make sense. I like it and it's fuel to do more and get better."

On City's historic 2022-23 campaign, Lewis added: "At the start of the season, I thought we were going to win the Treble. I told my dad, I told everyone. 

"It's easy to say that now but I actually did think we would.

"It's amazing to win it but for myself, I'd like to be more a part of it in the future."