Jack Grealish’s ‘regret’ over leaked video speaks volumes of him | Football | Sport

Jack Grealish demonstrated his authentic character after issuing a heartfelt apology to Miguel Almiron following his disparaging remarks about the former Newcastle star. The winger, who is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, clinched the Premier League title in dramatic circumstances during his inaugural campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s squad mounted a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down against Aston Villa on the final day of the season to secure a 3-2 victory and edge out Liverpool by just a single point for the second occasion in four seasons. Despite Grealish’s initial struggles to adjust to the Spaniard’s tactical approach, that didn’t prevent the England international from fully embracing the celebratory proceedings.

During the club’s trophy parade, when questioned about what sparked City’s improbable turnaround, he delivered a savage dig at Almiron.

With a phone recording him, he declared: “There were two secrets – one, Riyad (Mahrez), take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron.”

The ex-Magpies forward had endured a particularly difficult 2021/22 campaign, managing to find the net just once across 32 appearances in all competitions.

Months later, during the 2022/23 season, Grealish revealed his compassionate nature and voiced remorse over his remarks, acknowledging they were intended to remain private, but the footage was subsequently leaked. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he explained: “I haven’t actually been asked about that and let me just address it,” he said.

“I do some f*****g stupid stuff sometimes that I do regret. It was the day after the season finished and obviously I’d had a few drinks. Then I remember I was in Ibiza and it (the video) had obviously come out.”

During Grealish’s apology, Almiron had been savouring the finest campaign of his career at St James’ Park, concluding the season with 11 goals and acknowledged himself in an interview that Grealish is a brilliant player and he wished him well.

The Toffees star continued in the interview that he had noticed Almiron’s remarks and showed the utmost respect towards his fellow professional. “I swear, I’m actually buzzing at the way he’s reacted,” Grealish added.

“He said something about me in an interview the other day, he wished me the best. I thought, ‘what a guy’, because if somebody had said that about me, I’d have probably been the other way.

“I messaged Matt Targett because I’m close with him from Villa and I said to him, ‘can you message him for me and say to him that I apologise’. I thought the video was private. But even in private I shouldn’t have said it because he’s a fellow professional.”

Despite a trophy-laden four-year stint at Manchester City, Grealish’s form took a hit last season, netting just one league goal. However, since his loan move to Everton, the winger has found his stride again and become an integral part of David Moyes’ squad, with the Merseyside club currently sitting eighth in the table after seven matches.

Already, he’s notched up five goals and assists, three more than his total tally from last season, and opened his account for the club with a last-minute winner in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Moyes was full of praise for Grealish after the match, stating: “Jack’s done great again; he had a couple of shots on target which were comfortable for the goalkeeper to save. I have been pushing him to get goals and assists – Johnny on the spot, that is the key.”