JACK GREALISH admits he will find it hard in fan-free zones when the Premier League return – as he thrives off the abuse from boo boys just like Cristiano Ronaldo used to.
And the Aston Villa hero has also spoken out about his regret over his lockdown breaches – when he smashed his car.
Jack Grealish is a hate figure at away grounds, but loves the abuse like Cristiano Ronaldo (right) did when he was at Manchester United
Grealish says he loves to turn those jeers into tears when he is at away grounds, but that is something he will not be able to do in the future.
Certainly this season there will be no fans at matches due to the coronavirus.
And that could continue well into next season.
Portuguese sensation Ronaldo has previously admitted being in cauldrons of hate where supporters despise him, drives him on to much bigger and better performances.
Attacking midfielder Grealish admits he is exactly the same – as fans loathe him because of his ‘lad’ image.
Although he is a cult figure with Villa Park afficionados.
He told the Express and Star: “‘I love all that. I love when people are on my back and targeting me.
“I always remember when I was a kid – and I am not saying I am anywhere near his level – but Cristiano Ronaldo used to come to Villa and the fans used to absolutely cane him.
“He used to thrive off it and that is what I try to do. I try to thrive off the hatred from the fans.”
Meanwhile, Grealish has also spoken to the Guardian about his regret over breaching lockdown rules.
He attended a party and ended up crashing his car on March 29.
He said: “I knew straight away that I had to come out and apologise myself, which I wanted to do – I didn’t want to hide behind a club statement.
“I know I am a footballer but I’m still human and we all make mistakes and straight away I knew I’d made a mistake.
“I’m also a role model as well to a lot of people out there, especially young children who might look up to me.”
Grealish has been linked with an £80m move to Manchester United this summer.
He will be the key as Villa fight to stay up this season.
They are second from bottom and two points from safety ahead of their first match back – a tough home clash with Sheffield United.
Premier League ‘set to restart on 17 June with Arsenal clash at Man City and Aston Villa vs Sheff Utd with 1 August end’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
