Jack Grealish makes ‘tough’ comparison between Aston Villa and Man City
Jack Grealish has been asked to compare his feelings on winning the play-offs with Aston Villa and winning the Premier League with Manchester City.
Dean Smith’s then 23-year-old team captain won 10 consecutive Championship wins to finish in the top six in 2019. Villa defeated West Bromwich Albion on penalties in the play-off semi-final before beating Derby County at Wembley to secure their place in the top flight.
This season, Pep Guardiola’s side clinched the league title with a 3-2 victory over Villa, leading Grealish to lift the Premier League trophy. Having left Villa Park to win major trophies but also building special memories at his boyhood club, the midfielder was asked to compare two of his career milestones.
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“It was amazing to win the league. I wanted to win titles and get medals,” said Grealish The mirror, speaking as part of McDonald’s Fun Football program. “Obviously I won the play-off final – I appreciate that a lot. It’s a great achievement.
“But then winning the Premier League; well, obviously that’s winning the Premier League. That speaks for itself. It’s been an amazing day – and an amazing few days to actually celebrate something I’ve always wanted It was something that I will never, ever forget.
“It’s obviously hard to compare because one is the Championship and the other is the Premier League. The first one, I was captain and it was my boyhood club, so it was definitely one of the best days of my life. Premier League too. They were both two brilliant days.
Grealish has endured a somewhat difficult season at times as he seeks to replicate his Villa form in a City shirt, following his record breaking £100million haul last summer. England manager Gareth Southgate recently suggested the former Villa man would have been eager to end his first season at the Etihad with a trophy.
“I wouldn’t say anxiety,” Grealish replied, “That doesn’t mean I disagree with what the manager said. No anxiety, but I was desperate to win something.
“Winning the Premier League, which was the main thing I wanted to win, was a great way to end the season.”
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