Jack Grealish hoping for ‘good reception’ on Aston Villa return
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Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is hoping he won’t get booed by Aston Villa fans as he faces his boyhood club for the first time since his British-record £100m transfer on Wednesday night, insisting he will applaud all four stands at Villa Park come what may.
Grealish has admitted that he almost returned to Villa Park as a fan last month when the club faced West Ham, but opted against it because he was unsure of the reception he would get.
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“I was so close to coming to the West Ham game, as we’d played on Saturday against [Crystal] Palace. I was invited to sit with Christian [Purslow] but I wasn’t actually sure of the reception I was going to get so I didn’t go,” the 26-year-old told the Daily Telegraph.
“Fingers crossed it will be a good one on Wednesday. I’ll clap all four sides of the ground no matter what. If I get booed it will be a bit awkward!”
Grealish still holds Villa dear and insists that will never change. “I knew some people would be unhappy when I left, and I can see why some were like that, but I gave my all for the club every single year I was there,” he explained.