On a balmy July evening in 2025, Manchester’s Heaton Park buzzed with the electric energy of Oasis’ long-awaited reunion concert, drawing 80,000 fans for the second of five hometown performances. Amid the sea of swaying bodies and nostalgic anthems, Manchester City star Jack Grealish emerged as an unexpected highlight, not for his football prowess but for an emotional exchange with fans that captured the heart of the city. The 29-year-old winger, whose future at the Etihad Stadium hangs in the balance, poured his heart out to supporters, reaffirming his love for the club and its fans in a moment that resonated far beyond the music.
As the Gallagher brothers—diehard City fans Noel and Liam—belted out classics like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” Grealish was spotted in the VIP section, soaking in the atmosphere. The concert, a cultural milestone for Manchester, also drew City manager Pep Guardiola and his daughter Maria, who were seen enjoying the show from the same exclusive area, though notably at opposite ends from Grealish. The night was steeped in City pride, with Liam Gallagher dedicating a song to Guardiola, whom he hailed as “the greatest manager of all time.” Yet, it was Grealish’s interaction with fans after the gig that stole the spotlight.
Caught on video by a concert-goer, Grealish, appearing buoyant and possibly buoyed by a few drinks, leaned over the VIP barrier to connect with a group of City supporters. His words were raw and heartfelt: “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 crowd roared in response, their affection for the Brummie star palpable despite his uncertain status at the club. The moment, shared widely across social media, sparked an outpouring of support, with one fan commenting, “Him being drunk makes it more genuine as you speak truthfully when drunk,” while another declared, “We love him. We do. And we know he loves us.”
Grealish’s bond with Manchester City runs deep. Since his record-breaking £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, he has been a key figure in the club’s golden era, playing a pivotal role in their 2022-23 treble-winning season, which included the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His infectious personality—evident in dressing-room renditions of Oasis hits and his near-tumble during a title parade—has endeared him to fans. However, the 2024-25 season has been a struggle, with Grealish starting just seven Premier League matches and being omitted from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad. Pep Guardiola, while praising Grealish’s character, has been candid about his limited minutes, stating, “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever. I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family.”
Speculation about Grealish’s future swirls, with reports suggesting a potential move—possibly a loan or a permanent transfer to clubs like Tottenham, Newcastle, or even a return to Aston Villa. Despite his £300,000-per-week contract running until 2027, City may accept a significant loss on their £100 million investment, with estimates pegging his current value at around £40 million. Guardiola has hinted at a fresh start elsewhere, noting, “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it. With us or another place.”
Yet, at Heaton Park, Grealish’s focus was on the fans, not his future. His love for City, rooted in moments like his heartfelt video message to a 106-year-old supporter or his support for a released youth player, shines through. The Oasis gig, with its nod to City’s triumphs and the Gallagher brothers’ fandom, was a fitting stage for Grealish to reaffirm his connection. As Oasis played on, supported by Richard Ashcroft and Cast, Grealish’s words echoed the spirit of Manchester—a city where football and music intertwine, and loyalty runs deeper than any transfer rumor.
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