James McAtee enjoyed his “special” first senior hat-trick during Manchester City's defeat to Salford City and said it was “something I will remember forever”.
The academy graduate, who has been at the club since the age of 10, scored a treble in the second half as Pep Guardiola's side stormed to an 8-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
McAtee is the first Englishman to score an FA Cup hat-trick for City since Robbie Fowler against Scunthorpe United in January 2006.
He has had to be patient for his first-team chances at the Citizens after spending the past two seasons on loan at Sheffield United. And the 22-year-old was happy he had grabbed his chance with both hands.
“I was quite frustrated in the first half and didn't see much of the ball,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “When the first one went in, my confidence was higher and I kept scoring.
“I've been here since I was 10 and it's a special moment for me. Something I'll remember forever. I don't think I had to prove myself, but to go out there and show people what I can do. It's a good time for me.”
Match ball for McAteepic.twitter.com/5iK4MqVexK
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 11, 2025
“I am so happy for him, he is a special player,” Guardiola added. “To score a hat-trick is not easy. He started a bit flat but then he had an incredible sense of goal. He had the right pace, he changed the rhythm to score.
“Naturally, [McAtee] can play better. He scored three goals, but he can play better. [The] The first half wasn't his best, but his work ethic, his composure and his rhythm… he's a special player. 'I'm really happy that he is here with us.
“He's been at City for a long time, a City supporter, and he was one of the biggest academy talents of the generation of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap. He played with these guys and was the captain .” of them.
The Spaniard also paid tribute to Jack Grealish, who scored his first goal since City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in December 2023.
“He also made a good assist, not just on the goal,” Guardiola said. “He scored a goal and provided two assists. Jack is a special player, not always someone who scores a lot of goals, but it depends on him.”
“If he can perform well, he will take the opportunity to continue.”
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