Jack Grealish will remain one of Aston Villa’s favorite boys despite leaving for Manchester City in 2021. The club from Birmingham could be proud of its native talent, who may be one of the biggest stars coming out of the club in the current generation. Even if they aren’t, the player still has a very special place for the club in his heart, but more importantly, he has great respect for the club’s legend, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
The Villans boast of producing some of the most unappreciated talents in England’s top division, including Gabby. It would be fascinating for the retired icon to be recognized and appreciated by one of the country’s top left-wingers. In a recent show based on Birmingham’s influence on soccer and culture, Jack Grealish reveals his bond with Agbonlahor.
The 29-year-old said, “Gabriel Agbonlahor, obviously from Villa, he was just someone that I always looked up to because him being a Villa fan, and being from Birmingham and coming up through the academy was something that I could really relate to,” recollecting the glory days.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If there was one person who backed Grealish all the way, it was Agbonlahor. The 37-year-old had the chance to play with Grealish for three seasons, rendering him to be one be the best players a few years ago. Gabby and Grealish played 35 games together, which led the former in 2020 to say that Grealish reminded him of Iniesta’s early days.
Known for his creativity and setting up some mind-blowing chances, Grealish caught the attention of the Sky Blues and joined them for a six-year deal worth $139 million. Gabby, since then, has been a constant supporter, even defending Grealish’s celebration after the treble, which received criticism from a few experts. However, Grealish grew up watching Gabby as a role model and also with the Villa Academy as a common factor.
Jack Grealish reminisces about the city of Birmingham along with Gabby Agbonhalor
It’s nostalgic how the Manchester City attacker still goes back to his roots to remember good times with the forward. Jack Grealish further said, “I obviously had the chance to play with him. He was my captain as well for a little bit, so yeah. He was just someone, like I say, really looked up to, always scored in like the derby games against Birmingham City. So that is another reason I loved him,” speaking a bit about the star’s legacy that influenced him.
READ MORE – Eden Hazard Fancies a ‘Free’ Kevin De Bruyne Over Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe- ‘Best Player in the Word’
Gabriel Agbonlahor was a stalwart for the Lions during a tough trophyless time in English soccer. The player stood by the team despite even after its relegation until his retirement in 2018. Additionally, he remains the highest scorer for them in the Premier League with 73 goals.
READ MORE – “Seems a Bit Panicky!” – Aston Villa Icon Questions Wayne Rooney’s Sacking by Birmingham City FC
