‘Starstruck’ Jack Grealish poses with unrecognisable Premier League icon and calls him ‘one of my boyhood heroes’
JACK GREALISH caught up with boyhood hero Olof Mellberg as he ponders his Manchester City future.
The winger, 29, has been enjoying some time off after being left out of Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad.
Grealish is a huge Aston Villa fan, and grew up idolising the club’s star players from the Holte End.
One of his Villa favourites was Swedish defender Mellberg – a colossus at the back between 2001 and 2008.
So when Grealish got the chance to meet his former hero, the Brummie ace couldn’t contain his excitement.
Posting a snap of himself with Mellberg to Instagram, gleeful Grealish wrote: “Not many that I get starstruck over but this guy is one!
“Big Olof Mellberg. One of my boyhood heroes.”
Since hanging up his boots in 2014, Mellberg has launched a career in management.
Following several roles in Sweden, the former Villa star managed St Louis City in MLS.
Grealish, meanwhile, is set for a summer of change.
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SunSport recently revealed that the 39-cap star has accepted that he will likely have to leave City in order to play at next summer’s World Cup.
Last night it emerged that Grealish is set to be left out of City’s Club World Cup squad as he chases a move.
The attacker, who has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal – is set to attract interest from the Premier League and across Europe.
Grealish is reportedly valued at £40million – with former club Villa a candidate for his signature.
City boss Pep Guardiola said last month: “Of course Jack has to play.
“He needs to do it — with us or another place.”
The Etihad side have agreed a £46.2m deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
While Lyon‘s Rayan Cherki and Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are also of interest.