After winning the 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year award, Nico O'Reilly sat down for an interview.

Congratulations! Can you tell us about the season you've just completed and how you've felt throughout the year? It must have been quite overwhelming.

Yes, I had a wonderful season—everything happened so quickly. I'm incredibly proud of what I achieved. At club level, we won two trophies, and I also represented my country at the World Cup. So I'm absolutely delighted with how it all turned out. Of course, I was disappointed that we didn't go all the way in the World Cup, but overall, I'm really very proud.

What awaits you in the coming year? What do you hope to achieve next, and what new heights do you want to reach?

Yes, hopefully bigger and better things. I want to take my game to the next level. That's what I'm always trying to do—training hard every day, constantly improving. Yes, that's my goal and my ambition.

Looking back a year ago, would you have dared to dream of playing in the World Cup, scoring in a final at Wembley, and lifting the trophy?

Absolutely not. As I said, it all happened so quickly. There were some opportunities, and a bit of luck involved. I seized those opportunities. It's been an amazing season, one I'm deeply proud of. Going into this new season, I'll try to do even better and achieve greater things.

Manchester City has also undergone significant change, with Pep Guardiola departing and Enzo Maresca arriving. How has that transition been?

Yes, Guardiola was at the club for 10 years and did an excellent job—he's truly an amazing, legendary coach. It was great to learn so much from him. Since Enzo arrived, everything has been very positive from day one. Our training sessions are intense and demanding. He's very particular, very strict, and at the same time extremely passionate. He's a very good coach, so we're all eager to start the new season.

What about the new signings, like Elliot Anderson? You know him from the England national team. How well is he settling in?

Yes, he's integrating very well. He's a very good player, and I've already played alongside him at the World Cup. I think he'll fit in perfectly with us and bring significant improvement and support to the team.

In the past two seasons, we've seen Manchester City and Arsenal battle it out for the title. Do you think this season's title race will be more competitive, with more teams challenging?

It's certainly possible. There are several strong teams in the league, and the Premier League has seen many strong new signings this summer. Yes, the competition could well become more open and unpredictable. But we'll have to wait and see.

What about you personally? What are your specific individual goals for this season?

Yes, I want to score goals, provide assists, continue representing my country in international competitions, and win more trophies. That's all I desire.

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