Rabiu AminuJack Grealish response spotted after what Aston Villa fans did vs Everton
Jack Grealish’s latest return to Aston Villa was an emotional one.
Grealish split the Villa fanbase when he left for Manchester City, with some supporters annoyed that he had requested a release clause.
His time under Pep Guardiola did not exactly go to plan, as while he did win multiple trophies, he was never able to break through as a key aspect of the Spaniard’s side.
The former Villa Park ace has fallen back in love with football in his stint with Everton, where David Moyes has allowed him to be the main man, just like he was with his boyhood club.
What did Aston Villa fans do and how did Jack Grealish react?
Grealish was straight back in the Everton team after serving a one-match suspension for the clash with his former side.
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reported that the 30-year-old was applauded by some of the Villa faithful and signed autographs for supporters before the game. Notable applause for Jack Grealish as he ends his warm up.
Signs a few autographs, too. Let’s see if it continues during the game, but quite nice, IMO. #AVFC — Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) January 18, 2026
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Dion Dublin, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live spotted Grealish’s reaction, saying: “I spotted that emotion in Jack Grealish’s eyes. He was looking around and smiling. You can tell there is claret and blue blood running through his veins.”
Why is Grealish’s Villa exit so controversial?
Grealish’s exit is so controversial because of his status as a Villa fan.
He was with the club since the age of six before his exit in 2021, and many cannot see why he would leave his boyhood club for the riches that City offered.
That is especially true considering that he was the star man in Birmingham, but he was just another squad option in Manchester.
Others see it as a positive, as Grealish banked the Villans approximately £100million, a huge financial boost for the club.
He featured 213 times for the West Midlands side, scoring 32 goals and notching 43 assists, helping them get back into the Premier League.
Club Matches Goals Assists
Aston Villa 213 32 43
Notts County (loan) 39 5 7
Manchester City 157 17 23
Everton 21 2 6
Grealish’s career stats.
Either way, however supporters feel about his departure, he is a shining light for any Villa academy player, and he should be admired for his contributions for the B6 outfit.
He has been jeered on previous returns, so the reaction this time may suggest that it is water under the bridge, and the Villa fans are happy for him playing a regular starring role again.
The emotion that was spotted means that he does have claret and blue running through his blood, as Dublin suggested.
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