On a sweltering Friday night, July 11, 2025, Manchester’s Heaton Park pulsed with nostalgia as Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, took the stage for their first hometown gig in over 16 years. Among the 80,000 fans singing along to “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” Manchester City’s Jack Grealish stood out, not just for his presence in the VIP section but for an emotional exchange with supporters that captured hearts and fueled speculation about his uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium. The 29-year-old winger, visibly caught up in the moment and perhaps a few drinks, poured his heart out, declaring, “You know what? Bro, I love City more than anything. And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans. They’re the best fans in the world!” The moment, caught on video by a concertgoer, went viral, resonating with fans who saw authenticity in his words. “Him being drunk makes it more genuine as you speak truthfully when drunk,” one supporter posted online, while another added, “We love him. We do. And we know he loves us.”
Grealish’s heartfelt outburst came amid swirling rumors about his departure from Manchester City, where he has struggled for playing time under manager Pep Guardiola. The £100 million signing from Aston Villa in 2021, a British transfer record at the time, played a pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 Treble, featuring in all Champions League matches as the club claimed their first-ever European crown. However, the 2024-25 season saw Grealish start just seven Premier League games, with only three goals across 32 appearances. His exclusion from City’s 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States further intensified speculation, with clubs like Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Napoli reportedly circling. Despite his £300,000-a-week contract running until 2027, reports suggest City are prepared to accept a £40 million loss to facilitate a move, a decision that could see Grealish leave one of Europe’s powerhouses.
The Oasis gig, attended by both Grealish and Guardiola, added a layer of intrigue. The pair, who stood at opposite ends of the VIP section, did not interact publicly, according to onlookers. “Jack was in full spirits, belting every word, while Pep seemed to be more family-focused,” one observer noted, highlighting the distance between the player and his manager. Guardiola, a known Oasis fan, was celebrated by the Gallagher brothers, lifelong City supporters, who dedicated “D’You Know What I Mean” to “the greatest manager of all time” and displayed a cardboard cutout of him on stage. Guardiola, alongside his daughter Maria, was seen singing along to “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a moment shared on social media that underscored his deep connection to the club and city.
Guardiola’s comments earlier in 2025 shed light on Grealish’s situation. “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever,” the manager said, emphasizing that his decision was tactical, not personal. “I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family. I don’t know what’s going to happen right now or have any doubts about the qualities of Jack. The quality has always been there; the year of the Treble would have been impossible.” Yet, he hinted at a potential exit, noting, “Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn’t happen this season, and last season neither. If he stays, we’ll be fine, and he’ll fight like he fought since day one.”
Grealish’s love for City, evident in his emotional exchange, reflects his deep bond with the fans, forged through celebrations like singing “Wonderwall” in the dressing room during the Treble season. As he faces a pivotal summer, with Everton eyeing a loan move and others like Aston Villa pondering a reunion, his words at Heaton Park resonated as both a love letter and a potential farewell. “That’s real,” one fan posted, capturing the raw emotion of a player whose future hangs in the balance but whose heart remains with the Cityzens.
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