Jack Grealish, the Manchester City footballer, has opened up about his unexpected friendship with the music legend Elton John, sharing details of their phone conversations and how the singer checks in on him. This unlikely connection has surprised fans of both the athlete and the entertainer.
During an interview with TNT Sports, Grealish revealed, "Probably Elton John. He rings me sometimes to catch up and see how I am." This personal touch highlights the bond they share, dispelling the notion of mere celebrity encounters.
Adding to his revelations, Grealish recounted feeling starstruck when he met pop sensation Rihanna this past summer during Manchester City's pre-season tour of the USA. Reflecting on the moment, he admitted, "Yeah, in the summer actually, when I met Rihanna on the pre-season tour after we played against AC Milan. I got quite nervous; I didn't really know what to say or how to approach her." This admission showcases Grealish's candid personality and his genuine admiration for fellow celebrities.
This wasn't the first time Grealish expressed interest in Rihanna; four years prior, he indicated he wanted to meet her, saying, "Because she's pretty and I like her music." His feelings haven't changed, it seems, and meeting her certainly left him with lasting impressions.
Shifting gears, Grealish also shared insights on his teammates, particularly Erling Haaland, noting, "A bit of a wind-up. I think I might have helped him with [his humor]. We both have the same type of banter, and we both just like to wind people up." This playful relationship adds to the lighthearted atmosphere within the Manchester City dressing room, where camaraderie among players often thrives on humor.
When discussing friendships off the pitch, Grealish mentioned his former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn, who he noted is always available when he calls. He said, "John McGinn, definitely. He always answers the phone to me or always rings me." Such comments reflect the strong bonds formed within football teams, highlighting how these players support each other beyond just the game.
While the conversation touched on serious matters, Grealish also lightened the mood with anecdotes about his personal grooming habits. He remarked, "To be fair I've actually not had one done for four months... usually when I'm getting a haircut I have one once every week or two weeks." His nonchalant approach to maintenance offers insights on being young and carefree amid the pressures of professional sports.
Grealish also expressed his interest in music, stating, “I would most like to work with Porter,” referring to his aspiration to collaborate with DJs and take charge of the dressing room music. He revealed his preference for house music and Afrobeats, letting fans know what gets him motivated before matches.
Currently, Grealish is still seeking his first Premier League goal this season as he gears up for more games with Manchester City. His performance and interactions with stars like Elton John and Rihanna add unique dimensions to his public persona, making him not only a noteworthy athlete but also relatable through his celebrity encounters and personal stories.
Grealish's friendly call to Elton John and his bashful starstruck reaction to Rihanna show the duality of his life: the competitive athlete and the everyday fan. This blend of professional success and genuine admiration bridges his world with the vibrant realms of music and celebrity culture, making for compelling narratives beyond the pitch.
