Grealish must grow up, says Villa boss Di Matteo
LONDON: Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has been told to “grow up” by manager Roberto Di Matteo after media reports that police were called to a Birmingham hotel where he was partying with friends.
Villa have launched an internal investigation regarding the 21-yearold, with local media reports saying fellow party-goers were inhaling nitrous oxide, which provides a legal high.
In April last year, Grealish was cautioned about his conduct by Villa’s former manager Tim Sherwood after photographs emerged of him allegedly inhaling the laughing gas in a hotel room.
“We instantly started an internal investigation about it, which is still ongoing. When it is finished we will see what disciplinary action to take,” said Di Matteo.
“We expect our players to behave in a professional manner at all times. In general for the sake of any player they need to learn about what it takes to be an athlete.”
Last season Grealish was banished to the Under-21 squad after reports of a visit to a Manchester night club hours after a 4-0 loss at Everton in November, missing two English Premier League games in a campaign which ended with Villa being relegated.
“It’s important he (Grealish) understands what he has and that he needs to grow up very quickly,” added former Chelsea player and manager Di Matteo. “It’s not the first time and he needs to understand if he wants a good career he has to stop.”
Grealish has scored twice in seven English Championship appearances this season, with the club sitting 18th in the standings.