Last update on.From section FootballJack Grealish was the most expensive English signing.Jack Grealish claims that his departure from Aston Villa to Manchester City was as emotionally charged as Lionel Messi’s last Barcelona news conference, and that he "teared" as he said good-bye.The 25-year old joined Villa when he was six years old. However, Manchester City signed him on Thursday for a British record 100m.The City midfielder spoke to the media as a City player for the first time and said that everyone had seen Messi's final press conference."That's exactly how I felt."England's player said: "Before leaving at the hotel, I spoke with the team, the staff, and the players. I teared up a little myself."Argentina forward Messi was moved to tears by his announcement of departure from Barcelona on Sunday. This ended a 21-year relationship with the club.Grealish stated that he was a season ticket holder at Aston Villa since he was four years old and that it was the hardest decision he's ever had to make.He continued, "I felt that it was time for my to move on.""I have always wanted to play Champions League football, but I couldn't at Villa this season."I came here to win silverware, and to play in the Champions League. That is all I have now."Grealish's 100m transfer fee was more than Paul Pogba, who moved to Manchester United for 89m in 2016. This is the highest transfer fee in English football history."It could put me up with the National Team"The City's midfielder, who joined on a six year contract, is expected to make his Premier League debut against Tottenham on Sunday.Grealish outlined his reasons for joining City, including his hopes that it would increase his chances of playing with England and his desire to play with Pep Guardiola.He stated that playing in the Champions League and "performing for" the club could "set me up for a brilliant future with our national team".Grealish was a strong performer for England in the Euros warm up wins against Austria, Romania, and Slovenia. He made four substitute appearances and one start, and registered two assists for England throughout the tournament.He stated that he would like to "try and get in these games at [the World Cup] in 2022 and in the qualifiers"."I want as many winners' medals as possible"Grealish also spoke out about his goals for the club, saying that he "wanted to win trophies."He explained that he wanted to win as many medals as possible. "I want to succeed as much as I can."Guardiola, a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international international believes that Guardiola can take his game to the next level.Grealish stated, "I'm going be learning from him every single day and I truly cannot wait to work alongside him.""The way he trains is amazing. It is amazing to see what he does with certain players in particular positions."Everyone wants to play under him. Pep was an important factor in my coming to this place.Grealish stated that the 100m fee "doesn’t put any pressure upon me whatsoever" and added "I actually enjoy it."He said, "When a football club pays that much money for a player it is a sign they trust you, value you highly and see so many potential there.""I consider it a positive thing, and now I want to repay this football club by winning as much titles as possible and winning the [Champions League] trophy that we all desire."
