Riyad Mahrez responds to Jack Grealish message after Man City footage emerges
Riyad Mahrez has replied to a message from his former Man City teammate Jack Grealish about what happened in the club’s FA Cup quarter final win over Bournemouth.
It has been a difficult season for the England international, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad, struggling for game time even as Pep Guardiola attempts to rectify the club’s below par campaign.
That has led to numerous suggestions of a summer transfer move for the 29-year-old, with clubs such as Tottenham tipped to move to sign Grealish from Man City.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, the winger has still managed to impress on occasions when he has got on the pitch for his club this season.
Riyad Mahrez hails Jack Grealish over Bournemouth cameo
On Sunday (30 March), Guardiola’s side came from 1-0 down at half time to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter finals at the Vitality Stadium.
The half time introduction of Nico O’Reilly changed the game in favour of Man City, although Grealish also impressed after coming off the bench 68 minutes into the game.
The winger made a number of enterprising runs and looked a consistent threat on the left wing for his side.
After such a tough period, it appears that was something he relished as a chance to give a nod to one former teammate.
| Jack Grealish key Man City stats 2024/25 | Total (from Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 1,340 |
Taking to his Instagram story, the Man City winger posted a clip from that match, where he produced an excellent first touch to bring a ball out of the air and under control as it dropped over his shoulder.
He had then added a caption in which he had tagged Mahrez, and claimed he was “just tryna be like you” to the Algerian international.
In response, Mahrez shared that post from Grealish on his own Instagram story, before paying tribute to the current Man City player by commenting “Easy one for u”.
Man City to target FA Cup success
Football Insider Verdict
Following that win over Bournemouth, the reigning Premier League champions are set to face Nottingham Forest in the semi finals of the FA Cup.
Having already been eliminated from the League Cup and Champions League, while also facing such a deficit in the Premier League table, this is now their only chance of claiming silverware this season.
That will save some face over an otherwise dismal campaign, and Grealish may not be the only player to leave the Etihad in the summer.
Kevin De Bruyne is also among those facing an uncertain future at Man City, with his contract expiring in the summer.
So giving those individuals who have done so much for the club the chance to go out on a high with a trophy will be a major incentive in the next couple of months.