The England midfielder became the Club’s third signing of the summer on Monday when he put pen to paper on a six-year deal which keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Phillips wore the No.23 jersey at former side Leeds United but has elected to take the No.4 at City, which has been vacant since Vincent Kompany’s departure three years ago.
The legendary Belgian is one of the Club’s greatest ever players and won 12 domestic trophies in his storied 11-year career at the Etihad.
Other notable City No.4s include Mike Doyle, Tommy Booth, Gerard Wiekens and Nedum Onuoha.
“It was a number that was presented to me, and I thought because at Leeds I had 23 which is one of my favourite numbers, I felt like because it’s a new start I wanted a different number and to try and build a legacy on that number,” said Phillips.
“Hopefully, I can.
It’s not the first time Phillips has worn the No.4 shirt.
When Marcelo Bielsa first met the Leeds United players as their new manager, he moved along the players sat down placing his hand on their head and saying a squad number as he went.
He said, ‘No.4’ to Phillips when he came to him.
“I’d scored a few goals the season before, so I thought I was more of a number eight, and he came in and told me straight away that I was a number four.
“He’d seen the future!”
Phillips’ No.4 shirt is available to buy now at the Stadium Store and online at mancity.com/shop.
