'Absolute disgrace' - Why Jack Grealish won't complete incredible Aston Villa return as ex-England striker who won Ballon d'Or discusses 'really sad' situation for Man City star

Grealish, who rose through the Villa academy, spent eight years at the club before making a record-breaking £100 million ($125m) transfer to City in 2021. Since his move, the England international has won multiple major trophies, including three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Champions League but has fallen out of favour this season.

Grealish returned to Villa Park in December with City but the midfielder had a harrowing experience. The crowd booed him throughout the match, leading Owen to believe he would not now consider any future transfer back to Unai Emery's side.

Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer Cheltenham betting, Owen said: "Jack Grealish could’ve done four or five years at Manchester City and gone back to Aston Villa for an incredible story and a lovely career, I’m not sure he’ll want to do that now and that’s really sad."

Owen went on to criticise the booing culture in football, stating that while it has been a long-standing part of the sport, it is something he has never agreed with.

"I think booing individuals has always been part of the game, but it's not a part of the game I've ever enjoyed. 99.9% of people are good, honest, genuine people that are trying their best," he added.

“No one deserves to go to work and get booed and go home feeling however it would make you feel. It's not a part of the game and especially when it comes from your own. You don't know how you're going to get through it, to be honest. You feel as if your family, your loved one. Your local fans are an extension of that. Jack Grealish was at the academy since he was a child and he has more to do with the club than anyone."

Owen found it particularly shocking that the backlash came from supporters who used to adore Grealish, given his long association with Villa.

"He's been exemplary in terms of his behavior, his performances, making his team a hundred million quid. Just for one person to boo is unacceptable for there to be a couple of thousand is sad," the former Liverpool striker opined.

“I know it's not all Aston Villa fans and I've had loads of Aston Villa fans message me and say that I was dead right and that it’s an absolute disgrace. Most fans agree but the loud ones will always ruin it for everybody else I guess. I spoke out because I had to get it off my chest, I thought it was a disgrace.”

Grealish’s Manchester City future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he could be offloaded in the summer. His impact this season has been limited, managing just two goals in 25 appearances, leading to speculation that Pep Guardiola could move him on in the next transfer window. Despite the ongoing rumours, the winger is expected to be available for City’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Plymouth this Saturday evening, where he could have a chance to prove his worth once again.