Manchester City record signing Jack Grealish has said he does not mind getting kicked by his opponents after his feisty display in City’s pre-season game with Club America.
The England international was the centre of attention in City’s latest friendly, drawing fouls from opposing players and getting booed by the fans.
But Grealish has revealed that such attention and antics do not deter him.
According to the player, rough treatment by opposing fans and players is exactly what he wants.
Despite his team winning 2-1 in the game, the attacker came away from an encouraging display complaining that decisions went against him.
The 25-year-old felt that he should have been given two penalties in the game against Club America
“I don’t mind getting kicked. I’ve watched them back,” he said after his side’s game with the Mexican club.
“There were two definite penalties. I said to the ref, “If it’s not a penalty, then surely you have to book me?”. He said there was contact. I said, “How’s it not a penalty then?”
Because City were the more dominant side in the game at Houston, the loud chorus of boos from around a third of the 61,000 fans became even more elongated.
“I get it at a lot of places now,” Grealish added.
“I like it. I feel like I’ve just got to embrace it and prove them wrong. Joao Cancelo said to me, “Why do you like it?” and I said I don’t know. I feel like I was like that at Aston Villa. It gets me going, so I don’t mind it at all.”
