"Total embarrassment' - The reasons behind Grealish's decision not to go back to Aston Villa

 

ABSOLUTE DISGRACE" – WHY JACK GREALISH WON'T MAKE AN INCREDIBLE ASTON VILLA RETURN AS FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER AND BALLON D'OR WINNER DISCUSSES THE "REALLY SAD" SITUATION FOR MAN CITY STAR

Jack Grealish's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from his rise as Aston Villa's golden boy to his big-money move to Manchester City, where he became a Premier League and Champions League winner. Yet, despite his success at the Etihad, recent developments have cast a shadow over his time at the club, with speculation mounting about his future. Now, former England striker and Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen has weighed in on the situation, describing it as "really sad" and even labeling parts of it an "absolute disgrace."

Grealish, who left Aston Villa in a record-breaking £100 million transfer in 2021, has been a polarizing figure at Manchester City. While he has contributed to the team's success, his role has often been reduced to that of a squad player, with Pep Guardiola favoring other options in key moments. This season, his limited game time has sparked rumors of a potential return to Aston Villa, a move that would undoubtedly excite Villa fans who still hold him in high regard. However, Owen believes such a reunion is unlikely—and for reasons that reflect poorly on the modern game.

The 'Really Sad' Situation at Manchester City

Speaking on a recent podcast, Owen didn’t hold back in his assessment of Grealish's current predicament. "It's really sad to see a player of Jack's talent not getting the minutes he deserves," Owen said. "He’s a player who can change games, who can get fans off their seats. But at City, he’s just another cog in the machine. Pep Guardiola has so many options, and Jack seems to have fallen down the pecking order."

Owen pointed to Grealish's struggles with consistency and injuries as factors in his reduced role, but he also suggested that the system at Manchester City doesn’t always suit Grealish's natural style. "Jack is at his best when he’s given freedom to express himself, to take risks, to drive at defenders. At City, the emphasis is on control and discipline, and that doesn’t always play to his strengths."

Why a Return to Aston Villa Won’t Happen

Despite the emotional appeal of a Grealish return to Villa Park, Owen believes it’s a move that simply won’t materialize. "It’s easy for fans to dream about Jack coming back, but the reality is that it’s not going to happen," he said. "The financials alone make it almost impossible. Villa are doing well, but they’re not in a position to pay the kind of wages Jack is on at City. And even if they were, City would want a significant fee for him."

Owen also highlighted the competitive gap between the two clubs as a major obstacle. "Aston Villa are a fantastic club with a great history, but they’re not competing for the same trophies as Manchester City. Jack has tasted success at the highest level, and it’s hard to see him walking away from that."

An 'Absolute Disgrace' in Modern Football

Perhaps the most striking part of Owen’s comments was his criticism of how Grealish’s situation reflects broader issues in modern football. "It’s an absolute disgrace that a player of Jack’s ability isn’t playing week in, week out," Owen said. "But that’s the state of the game now. Clubs like City have so much depth that world-class players are left sitting on the bench. It’s not good for the players, and it’s not good for the fans."

Owen’s words echo a growing sentiment among football purists who feel that the game’s increasing commercialization and focus on squad depth are stifling individual brilliance. Grealish, with his flair and creativity, is seen as a victim of this trend.

What’s Next for Grealish?

As for Grealish’s future, Owen believes a move away from Manchester City is inevitable—but not to Aston Villa. "I think Jack will look for a new challenge, maybe abroad," Owen said. "He’s still got so much to offer, and I’m sure there will be plenty of clubs interested in him. But it’s a shame that his time at City hasn’t worked out as many hoped."

For now, Grealish remains a Manchester City player, fighting for his place in Guardiola’s star-studded squad. But as the season progresses, the calls for him to seek a new chapter in his career will only grow louder. Whether he stays or goes, one thing is clear: Jack Grealish’s story is far from over, and the football world will be watching closely to see what comes next.

In the meantime, the debate over his situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by even the most talented players in the modern game. As Owen put it, "It’s a really sad situation, but hopefully Jack can find a way to get back to doing what he does best—playing football and entertaining the fans.