Jack Grealish opens up on why he decided to ‘move on’ from Aston Villa

Former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has opened up on his decision to leave his boyhood club in the summer.

Grealish became the most expensive British footballer of all time following his £100 million pound move to Premier League champions Manchester City after the European Championships.

Discussing why he chose to leave Villa Park, in an interview with the Champions Journal (the official magazine of the Champions League), the 26-year-old, said: “It was a massive decision.

“I’d been at Villa my whole life, since I was six — growing up, playing for my boyhood club and captaining them.

“To leave was a difficult decision, I’ve said it plenty of times, but it was something I felt was right at the time. I think it was the perfect time for me to move on, try something new and step out of my comfort zone.

“When I came here it was different because at Villa, and also when I go away with the national team, you have the same culture, you have the same nationality; most of the lads are English. And here there are only, what, four or five of us who are English.”

Working under Guardiola

Grealish also revealed what it’s like to be coached by Pep Guardiola.

Speaking highly of the Spaniard, Grealish added: “He’s an unbelievable coach. He’s just an addict to football.

“As soon as he steps foot in the building, everything’s just about football, everything’s just for the next game. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He’s a brilliant manager who helps the team so much. I’ve said at times this season that he’s won games by himself, with the way he’s set us up and the tactics he’s given us, and we’ve gone out there and done the job.”

This is an extract from the new issue of Champions Journal.

You can buy a copy, here.

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