With Jack Grealish now on his way to Everton, many Liverpool fans may not have forgiven him for his comments after Manchester City won the Treble
Jack Grealish singing in the Manchester City dressing room after winning the Champions League
Jack Grealish's social media post during Manchester City's Treble celebrations riled some Liverpool supporters
(Image: YouTube/Sommit Sports)
Some Liverpool supporters may recall Jack Grealish's cheeky three-word jibe when he takes to the pitch for his first-ever Merseyside Derby for Everton.
The 29-year-old is set for a medical with the Toffees after David Moyes' side negotiated a season-long loan deal for his services. Three years ago, Grealish was among Pep Guardiola's key stars during City's Treble-winning season.
During their celebrations, Grealish was the main man, whether it was swigging champagne shirtless during their open-top bus parade or staggering out of a bar at 5am looking distinctly dishevelled. Amid all the revelry, Grealish shared a provocative Instagram post which infuriated some Liverpool fans.
He posted a selfie alongside former City kit manager Brandon Ashton following their 1-0 Champions League final triumph against Inter Milan. His caption wound up many Liverpool supporters, who saw it as a deliberate slight against them.
It read: "Weekend in paradise, my friend? Let's f****n avvvvv it." And it was the first three words that got under the skin of Liverpool fans.
Many Liverpool supporters believed this was a calculated dig at them because Norris Green musician Jamie Webster wrote a song called 'Weekend in Paradise', which he regularly plays in fan zones when he follows the Reds abroad.
Webster has played the anthem while performing in front of jubilant Liverpool supporters before the Champions League finals in Kyiv, Madrid and Paris. At the time, Webster stepped up to defend Grealish amid the growing criticism, telling fans his post was not a jab at them.
Jamie Webster performing in the fan park before the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France
Webster did not believe Grealish intended to aim a dig at him or Liverpool supporters
He tweeted: "Just because I'm a Liverpool fan, it doesn't mean that players and fans from other clubs can't enjoy my music. I've spoken with Jack about football and music a few times, he's a top player and a top fella."
It's uncertain if those who were wound up by the post will have forgotten it by the time Grealish plays in his first Merseyside Derby. Assuming the transfer does not fall through and Grealish avoids injury, the ex-England international will visit Anfield as an Everton player on September 20.
Last season, Grealish started only seven games for City and remained on the bench during their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Despite rumours of seeking a permanent departure from Etihad Stadium, Grealish is set for a loan switch to Everton.
Jack Grealish of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England
Jack Grealish will be hoping for more game time after agreeing to move to Everton
With the World Cup on the horizon next season, Grealish is eager to secure his spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad when the Three Lions travel to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Missing out on the Euro 2024 squad, which made it to the final in Germany, was a significant blow for the versatile midfielder.
After his landmark £100million transfer from Villa in the summer of 2021, he won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup at City. However, he found it challenging to replicate his previous form in the blue kit, as he did for his childhood team.
Last season, he managed just three goals and five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for Guardiola's squad, who didn't manage to secure any silverware. Grealish would be Everton's fifth signing of the summer. The Toffees have signed Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Brazilian ace Carlos Alcaraz, Bayern Munich defender Adam Aznou and Bournemouth reserve goalkeeper Mark Travers.