Jack Grealish makes surprise Man City decision as nine-word claim made

Jack Grealish may have enjoyed four triumphant years among Manchester City's galaxy of stars, but he chose not to tune in to his parent club's Champions League clash on Thursday evening. The 30-year-old winger netted 17 times and registered 23 assists across 157 outings for City, claiming three Premier League titles, plus the Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup during his Etihad Stadium tenure, before sealing a loan switch to Everton last month.

Yet, rather than settling down to watch City take on Napoli in Europe's premier club tournament, Grealish was caught viewing Newcastle United's mouth-watering encounter at home to Barcelona instead. Via an Instagram story, Grealish shared a snap showing himself watching Newcastle's showdown with Barca, as he also opted to lavish praise on midfield pair Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in his caption.

Grealish, who has 8.6 million followers on the popular platform, wrote: "Pedri and De Jong are a joy to watch." City, meanwhile, cruised to a commanding 2-0 victory over 10-man Napoli, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku finding the net in the second period after Giovanni Di Lorenzo received his marching orders early on.

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In reality, the contest was effectively over once Haaland broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Napoli failed to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal significantly, with the Serie A side managing just a solitary effort throughout the entire encounter.

City, by contrast, unleashed 23 attempts with eight hitting the target and were worthy victors. "We started better than the last season when we drew against Inter Milan here," Pep Guardiola said post-match.

"We played a lot of minutes against 10 men, it was an advantage, but at the same time we were not, I would say, stressed in that situation. But we played well with 11 and it was a big victory against an incredible side.

"The team in the last two games took another feeling.

"Our composure defensively, offensively, our body language is unbelievably good. It's a tough week. We have an incredible challenge on Sunday, but going there with these feelings is much better."

As for Grealish, he has made a stunning impact since his move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The England star claimed the Premier League Player of the Month award for August - following four assists in his opening three appearances, securing six points from nine for his new club.

After Grealish secured his maiden Player of the Month honour, Everton boss David Moyes declared: "I'm really pleased for him. You'd have to say it's a big privilege to be given that accolade and I'm pleased for him because everybody knows he's back again.

"It's nothing down to me, it's down to Jack Grealish. He's looked after himself and worked incredibly hard.

"He's come back with the right mindset to produce and he has produced for us. He's made a big difference. And that's just the start for Jack."

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