Jack Grealish makes stance clear on 'bad blood' with Ireland after celebrating goal in England win
Jack Grealish has insisted there's no 'bad blood' between himself and Ireland fans after scoring for England on Saturday night
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Jack Grealish has insisted there's no 'bad blood' between himself and Ireland fans after scoring for England on Saturday night.
Both Grealish and Declan Rice represented Ireland at youth level but now play their international football for their fierce rivals.
Rice put England ahead in the 11th minute, with Grealish also notching.
Unlike his team-mate, the Manchester City star opted to wildly celebrate his effort - sparking controversy in the process.
Jack Grealish has insisted there's no 'bad blood' between himself and Ireland fans after scoring for England on Saturday night
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Yet Grealish, speaking after the game, has insisted there's no 'bad blood' between himself and Ireland supporters.
The England star also said he 'expected' the frosty reception but wasn't fazed in the slightest.
“It was what me and Dec expected. I said before the game, I think it is different," said the former Aston Villa star.
“Me and Dec have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time with Ireland.
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"I certainly did, and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there is no bad blood from my side.”
Grealish has struggled for regular football in 2024 and, earlier this summer, was left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championships.
The City star was a surprise snub, especially given how he's been a regular for the Three Lions in recent years.
And Grealish was pleased to make his mark in Lee Carsley's first match in the dugout.
“I need to start playing regularly and scoring goals, that is what I did today," added the 28-year-old.
“I still don’t feel 100 per cent fit but I am getting there. From a personal point of view, I am happy.
“It meant everything, just going to the fans at the end and hearing them cheer my name and stuff.
“Listen, there is no better feeling than playing for England, especially in games like this, when the whole nation is watching.
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Jack Grealish celebrated enthusiastically as England beat Ireland 2-0 in their Nations League clash
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“I have said it before in another interview, the summer was one of the worst of my life because you can’t not see what is happening in front of you.
"It was difficult but it has given me more resolve to bounce back.”
Rice, meanwhile, was pleased to help England beat Ireland in their Nations League clash - while also lavishing praise on Carsley.
The Arsenal midfielder said: "It was really good, a goal and a win.
Jack Grealish says Declan Rice and himself 'expected' their hostile reception in England's 2-0 win over Ireland
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“We are in the league below where we want to be, and to score alongside Jack was a really nice feeling.
“For Lee to come in, his first game, it has been really refreshing this week. He has been amazing to work with, his meetings have been top and I have really enjoyed it, so have all the lads.
“It has been a fresh start, a chance and to win today and get off to a good start was the main thing for us."