'Most difficult year of my life' - Jack Grealish opens up on struggles 'on and off the pitch' after losing place in Man City side and missing Euro 2024 with England

Grealish was part of the Manchester City squad that won their fourth consecutive Premier League title in the 2023/24 campaign. However, the English winger managed to start in just 10 matches in the league in the club's record-breaking journey and subsequently missed out on a place in England's squad at the Euro 2024.

In the 2024/25 campaign, most of the winger's starts have come in cup competitions as Pep Guardiola continues to use Grealish sporadically in his starting lineup in the Premier League. In the club's latest FA Cup fixture against Leyton Orient, the 29-year-old played a part from the beginning and contributed with an assist in their hard-fought 2-1 win.

Speaking to reporters after the latest FA Cup encounter, Grealish said: "Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years - probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.

"I found it really difficult. But it's a new year, a sort of fresh start, and hopefully, I can kick on from here. I feel like in my last few games that I have played - against Palace, Salford and Orient - I am trying to be involved more in the goals and assists."

He added: "Listen, I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm - the way I was a couple of years ago when I was playing a lot of games in a row. I do find it difficult at times to come in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully, I can keep training well and playing a few more games."

The Cityzens will be back in action on Tuesday night as they host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League play-off fixture.