Grealish proves a hit on his Etihad debut
IF Jack Grealish is feeling the pressure of becoming British football’s first £100million man, he certainly didn’t show it at his official unveiling as a Manchester City player yesterday.
On the contrary, Grealish welcomed the price tag and the expectations that go with it, just as he relished the prospect of inheriting Sergio Aguero’s No10 shirt at the Etihad.
The 25-year-old former Aston Villa player said he couldn’t wait to start repaying City’s faith — and record investment — believing he can help deliver the ultimate reward with Champions League glory.
Asked about being the most expensive British player in history, Grealish replied: ‘It probably hasn’t sunk in yet. It means so much to me that the club were willing to spend that much on me. It fills me with confidence.
‘It doesn’t put any pressure on me whatsoever. I take it as a compliment. I actually like it — I think it’s a good tag to have. When you see a football club paying that sort of money for a player, it means they trust you and value you and see so much potential there to work with.
‘I hope I can repay the club by winning as many titles as possible and winning that trophy we all want.’
Pep Guardiola’s side lost the Champions League final to Chelsea in May, but Grealish has already seen enough from his new team-mates after two training sessions to believe City can go one better.
‘That’s exactly why I’ve come here,’ he added. ‘We have some of the best players in the Premier League and the depth in every position is just crazy. I fully believe we can win it this season.
‘I want to play Champions League football. It’s been difficult on Tuesday and Wednesday nights sitting there watching the games. I honestly believe I can play in these games. Being involved would be a dream come true and is something I’m desperate to do. I spoke to John Terry at Villa and he said when you’re standing there with the Champions League anthem playing there’s nothing better. Hopefully we can go one step further than last season.’
Leaving Villa Park after 19 years has been a huge wrench for Grealish and he could empathise with Lionel Messi’s tearful departure from Barcelona after a career spent at the Nou Camp.
‘It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,’ said Grealish. ‘Everyone saw the way Messi was at his final press conference and that’s the exact way I felt. Before leaving, I spoke to the staff and players and teared up a little bit myself.
‘I felt like it was time for me to move on. I’ve been an Aston Villa fan since I was four years old and went to the club when I was six.
‘But I’m a Manchester City player now. I’ve come here to win silverware and play in the Champions League, that’s my only focus.
‘Getting the No 10 was a brilliant feeling. They’re big shoes to fill after Sergio had it for so many years. It shows how much the club value me giving me that shirt and I’ll play in it with full confidence.
‘I feel I can bring a lot to the team and play in a number of positions — winger, No 8, or No 10, or even a false nine.’
As well as a lucrative, six-year contract and the promise of silverware, Grealish hopes another benefit of his move to City will come on the international stage.
He has seen how Guardiola has managed Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, and believes the growing England contingent at the Etihad can only help Gareth Southgate — especially if City prise captain Harry Kane away from Tottenham as well.
‘Definitely,’ said Grealish, who will be playing alongside Sterling, Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones.
‘I spoke to these guys with England about City. If you’re playing with them week in, week out, you build chemistry and that’s something Gareth would love.
‘I’ve got dreams for the national team as well, playing in a World Cup. If I’m performing for City and playing in the Champions League, it could set me up to have a brilliant future for the national team.’