Manchester City star Jack Grealish told The Mail that he is “buzzing” for Newcastle ace Miguel Almiron despite the comments he made during City’s title parade – saying he texted Matt Targett, asking him to apologise on his behalf.
The comments have become renowned. Having won the Premier League title with City last term, an intoxicated Grealish was in a video saying Riyad Mahrez “played like Almiron” in their final game. This season, a different story.
Almiron is on fire. He has eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances, scoring seven in Newcastle’s last eight league games. The ex-Atlanta star is finally showing why Rafa Benitez brought him to the club in January 2019 for £20m.
Given Almiron’s form, Grealish has been mocked for his comments – especially, given his numbers have been a shadow of Almiron’s. Asked for the first time, Grealish set the record straight – saying he is “buzzing” for the Toon man.
“I swear, I’m actually buzzing at the way he’s reacted. He said something 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’. Thought the video was private. But I shouldn’t have said it because he’s a fellow professional.”
Grealish buzzing for Newcastle ace Almiron, text Targett to apologise
Grealish makes the point that he has not been asked about the furore his comments made. The furore which has come about due to Almiron’s wonderful form in 22-23. Clearly, he feels regret about the comment – trying to make amends.
But it must also be remembered that just because Grealish does not have the numbers of Almiron – does not mean he is playing badly. Attacking style and contribution is more than just goals and assists, though Grealish would like more.
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