'Incredible human being' - Pep Guardiola pays touching tribute to Jack Grealish after Man City star dedicates goal to his late brother

The England international lined up for City against Leicester as he was handed just a seventh top-flight start of the season. Grealish needed less than two minutes to get on the scoresheet.

Said effort was Grealish’s first in the Premier League since December 2023 and came on the 25th anniversary of his brother Keelan’s passing. Grealish was just four when losing his sibling in April 2000.

He pointed to the sky after finding the target against the Foxes, in an emotional celebration, and posted on social media afterwards: "With me always, especially this day. That was for you, Keelan."

Guardiola said: "Jack is an incredible human being. I didn't know [about the anniversary]. I can't imagine how tough it can be for mum and dad, his sister and all the family. It's good that this day he remembers him. I'm pretty sure they remember every single day. He scored a goal and made a good game."

Grealish was moved into a playmaking No.10 berth against Leicester, rather than being asked to line up on the flanks, and Guardiola added on the 29-year-old’s performance: "He likes to play in the middle. He's a guy who used to play free. He's comfortable playing on the side. Always between the lines he has ability. I'm happy for him. I know it's not easy when you don't play regularly. Last game in the FA Cup he played really good."

City, who remain in the hunt for a top-four finish and FA Cup glory while waiting on the verdict in their long-running Financial Fair Play (FFP) case, will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a derby date with arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.