Jack Grealish is the nicest guy in football – fact.
The England and Man City star showed his class again and he ‘made a fan’s day’ with a brilliant gesture following Friday’s victory over Malta.
Grealish didn’t even get on the pitch at Wembley Stadium, with the playmaker watching on from the bench as his teammates secured a 2-0 victory in their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifier.
But while other players might be left a little down after failing to get any minutes on the international stage, not Grealish.
Before leaving the stadium, he made sure he freed up some time to meet and greet fans, including one supporter whose evening would have been made but their chat with the superstar.
As reported by the The Times’ chief football writer Henry Winter: “Jack Grealish was walking down a corridor at Wembley an hour after the final whistle when he saw an England fan in a wheelchair.
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“Grealish stopped and chatted to the fan for 3-4 minutes. Grealish didn’t play tonight but he made a fan’s day.”
It seems like such an insignificant gesture, to stop and talk to a fan for just a few minutes.
But in a day and age where it’s more common to see footballers with their heads down, headphones on, and largely just ignore supporters other than a cursory slap of the hand as they walk past, Grealish always seems to do the opposite.
While other stars might sign a shirt or pose for a photo and offer nothing more than a, ‘You OK?’, Grealish actually engages, and always with a smile.
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It’s clear he loves interacting with fans, and actually understands how even the smallest of gestures can make a lasting memory.
And it’s not just fans who love him, with Pep Guardiola recently branding him the ‘most beloved’ player in Man City’s dressing room.
Much has been said of Grealish’s performances since his move to the Etihad Stadium, with the attacker not playing with the same fearless abandon or weighing in with as many goals as when he wore an Aston Villa shirt.
But it’s clear he has Guardiola’s trust and, it appears, his affection as the manager hailed his character on and off the pitch.
“He’s one of the most beloved guys in the locker room,” the Spanish coach said about Grealish.
“We are really pleased with him in the last games and his mentality in training sessions. First year and last year especially was decisive. Every year he gets better.
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“In terms of the community and how he takes care of the kids too.
“He always stops to write signatures and he has good connections out of the bubble professional people live.
“He’s down to earth and I love working with him. He’s so sensible and close to his family. We love him so much.”