In a recent press conference, Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish openly described 2024 as “the most difficult year of my life,” detailing both professional and personal struggles.
Professional Struggles
Throughout the year, Grealish encountered significant challenges in his football career. His form dipped, leading to less playing time under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
This decline in minutes ultimately resulted in his exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad by then-manager Gareth Southgate, a decision that surprised both Grealish and his teammates.
Reflecting on this period, Grealish admitted, “I’ll be honest with you… I didn’t agree with Gareth Southgate’s surprise Euro 2024 decision.”
While he acknowledged a difficult season, he stood by his belief in his contributions to the team.
Personal Milestones Amid the Struggles
On a personal note, Grealish experienced a life-changing moment with the birth of his daughter, Mila Rose, on September 27th, with his partner Sasha Attwood. This joyful event served as a bright spot amid a challenging year.
Looking Forward
Despite the setbacks, Grealish remains hopeful about the future. He is determined to improve his form and regain his place in both Manchester City and the England national team.
His recent performances under interim England manager Lee Carsley have shown promise, reflecting his resilience and determination to overcome the difficulties of the past year.