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John Terry has encouraged Jack Grealish to consider leaving Manchester City amid Aston Villa speculation.
Man City attacking midfielder Jack Grealish must weigh up his options in the summer transfer window after another season of disappointing game time, says Chelsea and England legend John Terry.
As a former teammate and coach of Grealish’s having ended his playing days at Villa Park before joining Dean Smith’s backroom staff, Terry believes moving away from Man City might be necessary. Grealish has played just 1,319 minutes across all competitions this season - only 605 coming in the Premier League - leading to an underwhelming contribution of two goals and five assists.
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Those aren’t the kinds of statistics expected from a player who cost £100 million to sign from Aston Villa only four years ago but it’s the reality with manager Pep Guardiola preferring the likes of Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden off the left flank. Grealish is so out of sorts that he’s been dropped by England.
Terry is a huge fan of Grealish and can’t bear to see the 29-year-old stumble his way through another campaign of misery. Yes, the trophies have been regular over the past few years with three Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League in the cabinet, but Grealish has played a bit part at times.
"I've never seen anyone work so hard at a football club when I was at Villa,” Terry told talkSPORT. “I've got a real insight into that as well and how much football means to him in general.
"Knowing Jack, he's not the type of player that wants to be sitting on the bench, I don't think it's good for him. I think he's at his best when he's playing week in, week out, when he's dominating - he's one of those players that kind of takes it on the back foot.”
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John Terry encourages Jack Grealish to leave Man City
John Terry has encouraged Jack Grealish to leave Man City this summer, possibly returning to Aston Villa.John Terry has encouraged Jack Grealish to leave Man City this summer, possibly returning to Aston Villa.
John Terry has encouraged Jack Grealish to leave Man City this summer, possibly returning to Aston Villa. | Getty images
Albeit not outwardly demanding a transfer away, Terry has urged Grealish to at least consider the possibility of departing the Etihad for better game time. The rumours of a Villa return have been swirling again, while a player of his quality is bound to gain interest from other top Premier League clubs if he were to become available.
"He needs to look at his options, because Man City have not been great this year and he's still not getting a look-in,” Terry added. "So from his side, I'd be a little bit worried and go, 'I need to get out,' because England means the world to him.
"And I have to say, all eyes are on Jack always, it's difficult, he's a young boy with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. I think it will be good for him to weigh up his options. I'm not saying to leave Man City, because they're one of the top teams in the world.
"But I think he needs to ask questions, 'Am I going to be part of this in the future?,' but Jack is an unbelievable talent, and I think he's at his best when he's got the freedom, and I think he needs a manager to give him the license to go and be Jack Grealish,” Terry concluded.
Related topics:John TerryJack GrealishMan CityPep GuardiolaPremier LeagueInterviewsTransfer News
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