Manchester City star, Jack Grealish, has compared himself to Lionel Messi as both players confirmed their departures from their long-time clubs this month.
Grealish, 25, officially signed with Man City on Thursday, leaving Aston Villa after spending two decades with his hometown club.
Messi, meanwhile, has departed Barcelona this summer with the Argentine widely expected to join Paris Saint-Germain.
But Grealish is now saying that he understands fully why Messi was in tears at his goodbye press conference to Barcelona on Sunday, adding that ‘he felt the same’ like the Argentine.
Champions League: Jack Grealish predicts club to win trophy this season
“It was so tough. I think everyone knows I reported back for pre-season as I was meant to, I went back for a few days,” Grealish said at his introductory press conference at Manchester City on Monday.
“It was difficult. In the back of my head I knew I might be going. I did a bit on my own… Everyone saw how Messi was yesterday – that is exactly the way I felt. Before I left at the hotel I spoke to the team and the staff and the players and I teared up a little bit myself.
“I felt like it was time for me to move on. I have always said how much I want to play Champions League football. They have a football club here that has got so much potential. They are the most successful English side in the last 10 years. It felt the right time.
“I have been a Villa fan since I was four, my whole family has, I went to the club when I was six. There will always be links there, especially with the big family I have, everyone is Villa fans.”
