Jack Grealish hits back at critics after Premier League title celebrations

'I've just won the Premier League. It's a dream come true. Why can't I go on holiday?'

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has responded to critics about his celebrations following City's Premier League title triumph. The 26-year-old deservedly enjoyed himself during the club's open bus parade before holidaying in Ibiza, but was also criticised for his "unprofessional" comments about Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron during the title parade. Grealish's antics made headlines and one, in particular, drew the attention of several Newcastle fans, who were left less than impressed by the former Villa man's comments. In an Instagram story posted by Bernardo Silva, an understandably inebriated Grealish took to comparing the performance of teammate Riyad Mahrez to Almiron. "There were two secrets... number one, Riyad, take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron yesterday," he said. https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1532326193357365250

Grealish fires back at his critics

The England international responded to criticism by suggesting that 'people were saying things' about him because of who he is, but that he'll never change. "I know people were saying last week, 'Oh, he's doing too much'. But what? I've just won the Premier League. It's a dream come true. Why can't I go on holiday?" Grealish told The Mirror.  "There's people that are at England with me now who went to Vegas, Ibiza, Marbella, all these places. No one said a word, but because it was me, people were saying things."

He added: "I'm doing what I have loved doing my whole life. I'm the most expensive British player but I'm also the Jack from Solihull who my friends and family know. I'll never let that leave me, no matter what anyone says."

Poster boy title

Grealish - who scored just three times in 26 Premier League appearances for City last season - struggled to impress for Pep Guardiola's side as they pipped Liverpool to the title, however, he has become a key part of Gareth Southgate's England set-up in the past 12 months. The attacker is often dubbed as the Three Lions' 'poster boy', which is a title that Grealish is happy to take on.

He said: "It's fine [being England's poster boy]. It is what it is. If that's what people think, that's fine. I think it's a good thing to have - and you just have to embrace it.

"I try not to let anything get to my head. It's all about enjoying it, as long as I'm enjoying myself, playing football and enjoying life off the pitch even; then I will perform well. Fingers crossed I can do that over the few weeks and few games.

"I love training, playing with the lads. It's such a good bunch. We always look forward to playing with each other."

The City star is currently preparing with England as Southgate's men get set to face off against Hungary, Germany and Italy in the Nations League. Related links:

• Jack Grealish criticised for ‘unprofessional’ Almiron comment
• Jack Grealish’s best moments during Man City’s title parade
• Roy Keane shows great comic timing after Jack Grealish party invite