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.
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.
Discussing his campaign as a whole, Grealish was asked about not scoring in over a year and said: “As soon as I scored I knew this would be what people said.
“This season I’ve obviously not been at my best, even last season, but I was happy I started tonight and happy to score.
“A little bit [relieved] I know myself that I could score more, but I know I give a lot more than scoring.
“I think my highest ever tally in goals is about eight in a season, so I don’t think I was ever bought here to score 20 or 30 a season.
“Of course I would love to score, there’s not many better feelings, but I feel I offer a lot more to the team than just scoring.”
Discussing Grealish’s tricky campaign, talkSPORT host and good friend Gabby Agbonlahor said: “I just know him as a guy who loves football, he was so disappointed to not go to the Euros and miss out on that.
“There’s a World Cup next year so he’s got to maybe speak to the manager and ask ‘what’s my future like, am I going to get game time next season?’
“If the answer’s no maybe he will look at the right move, is there a club in Europe that suits him? Where he can go and play his football and he’s happy?
“If I’m Jack I’m thinking where am I going to play the most football next season, because Thomas Tuchel will want him in that squad, but if he’s not playing enough football he won’t get that call.”
