Jack Grealisk has admitted that 2024 was 'the most difficult year' of his life.
The former captain of Aston Villa was part of a side of Manchester City who won a fourth Premier League title last season.
However, he only started 10 league games in that record -breaking campaign, before missing a place in the English team for Euro 2024.
Grealishe who became father for the first time in October last year, when his partner Sasha Attwood gave birth to their daughter Mila Rose – this season was again used as a bit -party player by city boss Pep Guardiola.
On Saturday he played the full 90 minutes for the fourth time since October when he helped the city to scrape Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
After that 2-1 victory with reporters, Grealisk spoke about a tough 12 months.
Grealish said: 'Last year, the whole year itself, it was strange because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years – probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and out of the field.
“I found it very difficult. But it is a new year, a kind of new start, and hopefully I can start from here.
'I feel that in my last few games I played – against Palace, Salford and Orient – I try to be more involved in the goals and assists.
'Listen, I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm – the way I was a few years ago when I played a lot of games in a row.
'I sometimes find it difficult to get in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully I can continue to train well and play a few more games. '
Much of Grealish's playing time this season has come in the cup matches. But with the ruling champions 15 points of the top in the Premier League, it is those tournaments that must now serve as the top priorities of the city.
Next to Grealisk en Co is a collision with Real Madrid in the first stage of their UEFA Champions League play -off.
City and Madrid both ended outside the top eight in the competition phase in the European top club competition and therefore have to fight for a place in the round of 16.
“That is the beauty of this world in which we live – we're going to Real Madrid on Saturday from Leyton Orient on Saturday,” Grealisk continued.
Reflecting on the surprisingly difficult game of Saturday, in which City ran against the League OnePosition during the break, Grealisk added: 'Much credit must be oriented – they were excellent.
'The fans were brilliant, their keeper was brilliant and I like to play on grounds like this. I came through the ranks and it brings me back to my childhood. '
Comments