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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Ste McGovern

Brendan Rodgers reveals cheeky exchange with Jack Grealish after £100m Manchester City transfer

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Jack Grealish to be a huge success at Manchester City - and reminded the player to do something nice for his mum.

The two men were spotted sharing a laugh prior to kick-off in the Community Shield clash between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners on Saturday.

Grealish completed his £100m move from Aston Villa to City during the week, making him the most expensive British footballer in the history of the game.

The England playmaker made his debut for the Blues during the match, coming off the bench in the 65th minute, but he could not prevent the Foxes from taking home the silverware on offer, as Kelechi Iheanacho's late penalty secured victory for the underdogs.

Before the match got underway, Rodgers was asked what he told Grealish when the pair caught up at pitchside, and gave his verdict on the mega transfer during his answer.

"He's a marvellous player," he told ITV.

"I just said to him 'make sure you buy your mother a bunch of flowers'. He has really developed and matured into one of the world's best players for me.

"It's always sad when as a club you lose a top, top player but I'm sure he will do very well for Man City and was a great servant to Aston Villa."

Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Grealish can make that kind of impact in the long run after a disappointing start to life at City for the 25 year old.

The City boss told ITV before the match that Grealish "is the perfect age and hopefully he can help us for the next five, six years."

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