Jump directly to the content

Jack Grealish rejected the notion his £100million transfer fee brings extra pressure on him to perform, insisting he is more confident than ever.

The England playmaker was met with a rapturous reception outside the Etihad when he was unveiled to fans for his first press conference as a City player since leaving Aston Villa.

Grealish, 25, couldn't hide his delight at making the move to the reigning Premier League champions
7
Grealish, 25, couldn't hide his delight at making the move to the reigning Premier League championsCredit: Getty Images
Hundreds of City fans gathered outside the Etihad to welcome the England playmaker to the club
7
Hundreds of City fans gathered outside the Etihad to welcome the England playmaker to the clubCredit: Getty Images
The rain didn't stop Man City fans coming in their droves to see Grealish
7
The rain didn't stop Man City fans coming in their droves to see GrealishCredit: Getty Images

Quizzed by talkSPORT on whether he thinks the big-money deal will put more pressure on his shoulders, Grealish responded: "It probably hasn't sunk in still to be honest with you.

"It means so much that the club were obviously willing to spend that much money on me.

"If anything it just fills me with confidence, I don't think there's any pressure with that price tag.

"It just shows me how much the club and the manager value me and that only just gives me confidence going forward."

Messi bid farewell to Barcelona over the weekend in a tearful press conference as he ended his long association with the club and Grealish knows how he feels
7
Messi bid farewell to Barcelona over the weekend in a tearful press conference as he ended his long association with the club and Grealish knows how he feelsCredit: AFP

Grealish, though, admitted his final day at boyhood club Aston Villa was emotional, having been at the Midlands side since the age of six, likening it to Lionel Messi's teary goodbye at Barcelona.

"Everyone has seen the way Messi was yesterday at his final press conference and that is the exact way I felt myself," he said.

"Before I left the hotel, I spoke to the team and the staff and the players and I 'teared up' a little bit myself, but I felt it was time for me to move on.

"I have always said I wanted to play Champions League football and I couldn't do that at Villa this year."

Supporters have wasted little time in getting their new man's name on the back of the club's home shirt
7
Supporters have wasted little time in getting their new man's name on the back of the club's home shirtCredit: Getty Images
Grealish's girlfriend and mother were both in attendance at the unveiling
7
Grealish's girlfriend and mother were both in attendance at the unveilingCredit: Getty Images

Grealish put pen-to-paper on a bumper six-year contract at City last week, and says his overriding desire is to win trophies aplenty in Manchester.

He told talkSPORT: "I've come here to win trophies, that's what I want to do. I want to get as many winners' medals in my career now.

"I've had a few runners up ones, so that's what I want now. I just want to be as successful as I know I can be.

"I also have dreams that I want to achieve for the national team as well and playing in a World Cup.

"I've obviously had a taste of it with the European Championship this summer, but I want to be a regular starter for England and I believe I can be.

"I just want to play as much as I can here and be as successful as possible."

Grealish made his intentions clear, telling talkSPORT he was in Manchester to challenge for the biggest honours in football
7
Grealish made his intentions clear, telling talkSPORT he was in Manchester to challenge for the biggest honours in footballCredit: Getty Images
Topics
cricket exchange