Jack Grealish How He Cried Like Messi After Leaving Boyhood Club To Join Man City
- Jack Grealish has revealed that his emotions were similar to Lionel Messi when he left Aston Villa to Man City
- The 25-year-old became the most expensive player in English history when he signed a £100million deal with the Etihad outfit
- The ex-Villa captain made his debut in the Community Shield loss to Leicester City and would likely feature against Tottenham at the weekend
Jack Grealish has revealed that he broke down tears when he left Aston Villa to join Man City the same way Lionel Messi felt when he departed Barcelona, Sky Sports, Daily Post.
The England international completed a record-breaking £100million move to the Etihad making him the biggest transfer in English football history.
Days after Grealish left Villa Park, Messi also departed his boyhood club after 21 years glorious years with La Blaugrana.
Grealish on how he felt like Messi
"It was so tough. I think everyone knows that.
"I reported back for the pre-season as I was meant to. That's when the manager wanted me back so I obviously went back for a few days. It was obviously difficult because in the back of my head, I knew that I might be going.
"Everyone's seen the way Messi was at his final press conference and that is the exact way I felt myself.
"Before I left, at the hotel, I spoke to the team, the staff and the players and I teared up a little bit myself."
Grealish's debut for City
The 25-year-old made his debut for City during their Community Shield loss to Leicester City at Wembley Stadium.
The former Villa captain played the last 25 minutes in the loss to the Foxes and gave a glimpse of fans should expect in the new season.
Grealish is in line to make his Premier League debut for the Citizens when they face Tottenham at north London.
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that Lionel Messi spent his last few moments at Camp Nou as he admitted how heartbreaking it was to leave Barcelona, Sport Bible.
The Argentine broke down in tears expressing he never knew things would turn out the way it was after spending 21 years with La Blaugrana.
The 34-year-old said he was convinced he would extend his contract with the club but the financial situation prompted his shock exit.