‘With me always’ – Jack Grealish fights back tears in emotional interview after long-awaited goal

Jack Grealish was full of emotion after ending his goalless run for Manchester City and revealed it was due to a sad anniversary off the pitch.

The England winger scored inside two minutes during a 2-0 win over Leicester, his first goal since January 22 and first in the Premier League since December 2023.

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While he was clearly relieved to break the duck, it was actually another date that left him choked up post-match.

“It was a nice day, my little brother passed away 25 years ago today,” he said as his voice broke.

“This day it’s always like… I don’t know, it’s hard on the family but I was happy to score.

“My mum and dad were here, I think this day is always difficult on the family so to score and win was brilliant.”

Grealish was four-years old when his nine-month-old brother Keelan passed away in a cot death on April 2, 2000.

The City star also shared a tribute on Instagram after the emotional interview.

He said: “With me always, especially this day. That was for you Keelan”.

Manager Pep Guardiola was told about the interview in his post-match press conference and was full of praise for the 29-year-old.

“Jack is an incredible human being, in terms of gestures and for other people, he’s incredibly generous,” the Catalan began.

“I didn’t know that, so I can’t imagine how tough it can be with a mum and dad and sister and all of the family.

“It’s good on this day to remember him and I’m pretty sure they remember every single day, but scoring a goal and making a good game, it’s good.”

It has been a turbulent season for Grealish, who has faced questions over his off-field activity amid an extended absence from Manchester City’s starting XI.

The former Aston Villa star was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad during the most recent international break.

His goal on Wednesday night was followed by another strike for January signing Omar Marmoush as City climbed to fourth.