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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Joseph McBride

Jack Grealish lifts lid on John Terry's role in Man City transfer

Jack Grealish has revealed that he spoke to John Terry ahead of his record-breaking £100million transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City.

City's new signing was unveiled to supporters at the Etihad Stadium following the big-money move, although he has already played for his new side.

Grealish came off the bench to make his debut during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Leicester, as a late Kelechi Iheanacho penalty won the Community Shield for Brendan Rodgers' side.

During the unveiling, Grealish spoke in a special press-conference, as the new signing answered questions about his transfer to City and spoke about what he can bring to the team.

Jack Grealish was unveiled to Man City fans on Monday afternoon (Daniel Chesterton/Offside via Getty Images)

Grealish admitted during discussions about his move that: "It’s been difficult, the Tuesday, Wednesday nights watching the [Champions League] games. I believe I can play in these games and there’s nothing better than watching those games."

The English midfielder has wanted to play in the Champions League for some time, and revealed that John Terry had explained to him what the feeling is like on European nights.

Grealish said: "I spoke to John Terry at Villa and he said when you’re standing there and hear the anthem playing, there’s nothing better. I can’t wait to be doing that."

He went on to explain to the City audience: "I remember watching City v PSG last year and the standard was outrageous. To be involved would be a dream come true and something I am desperate to do."

Will Jack Grealish be a success at Manchester City? Comment below

John Terry played with Jack Grealish for one year, before joining the coaching staff (Action Images via Reuters)

John Terry is no longer a coach at Aston Villa as he pursues a role in management, but the advice of the former Chelsea legend would've played a part in Grealish's decision, as he craves Champions League success.

Terry experienced the highs and lows of Champions League success, missing a crucial penalty in the shootout defeat to Manchester United in the 2011 final, and then receiving a suspension, missing Chelsea's 2012 final against Bayern Munich.

However, despite not featuring in the final game, Chelsea were triumphant over Bayern against the odds, as Didier Drogba dispatched the winning penalty to win the Blues their first ever Champions League trophy.

City were beaten by Chelsea 1-0 in the final of last season's competition, and will be hoping that the arrival of Grealish can take them all the way this time around.

Grealish's ambition is also matched by the desires of Harry Kane - another target for City, who could break the Premier League record transfer twice in one window if they can convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to sell the star-striker.

Unlike Grealish, who had a release clause in his Villa contract, Kane doesn't and Levy has set his asking price sky-high, meaning that City will have to offer in excess of £150million to land the England captain.

Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here.

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