JACK GREALISH has broken his silence on his controversial dig at Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
During Man City‘s title celebrations over the summer, Grealish was caught on video talking to team-mate Bernardo Silva, who asked him what was the secret behind their final day comeback against Aston Villa to win the league.
The England man said: ”There were two secrets… one, Riyad [Mahrez], take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like [Newcastle star Miguel] Almiron.
“Number two, [pointing at Silva] he’s been so good this season, get him off the pitch.”
The harsh comments went viral, but Grealish has revealed how he reached out to Almiron.
Asked if the incident had been mentioned by Newcastle striker Callum Wilson here in Qatar. he said: “Yes it has. It was the day after the season finished and obviously I’d had a few drinks.
“That was one thing I regret. He said something about me in the interview the other day when 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 and been like ‘f**k it’.
“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 obviously didn’t mean it’.
“Matt said ‘he’s a lovely kid and that he’s harmless and doesn’t really speak a lot of English. He won’t really be bothered’.
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Grealish’s dig clearly hasn’t bothered Almiron, who’s been in scintillating form for the Magpies this season, netting eight goals.
Grealish went on: “When I look back on that, that was just one thing that was stupid of me to say. I didn’t realise it was a video to go out, I thought it was just private.
“But even in private, I shouldn’t have said it because he’s a fellow professional. I’m actually buzzing for him this season. I’ve had a lot of stick off the Newcastle fans and rightly so.”
Almiron doesn’t make Grealish’s fantasy team though, but that has nothing to do with the Newcastle man’s ability.
He said: “No, I don’t play that. I’m not a big fan of it. Everyone loves it. I get about 100 messages every week saying ‘is Haaland starting?’ I love my football but I can’t be arsed with it.”
