In the electric atmosphere of Oasis’s long-awaited reunion concert at Heaton Park on July 11, 2025, Manchester City star Jack Grealish found himself at the center of an emotional moment that has set tongues wagging among the club’s devoted fanbase. The 29-year-old winger, whose future at the Etihad Stadium hangs in the balance, poured his heart out to supporters, declaring, “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 heartfelt exchange, captured on video and widely shared, has sparked a unified reaction among Cityzens, who are grappling with the bittersweet reality of Grealish’s likely departure.
The scene unfolded after Oasis, Manchester’s iconic rock band and ardent City supporters, took the stage for their first hometown gig in over 16 years. The Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, brought their signature swagger, even dedicating a song to City manager Pep Guardiola, who was also in attendance, spotted belting out “Don’t Look Back in Anger” with his daughter Maria. Amid the revelry, Grealish, positioned in the VIP section, was approached by fans clad in sky-blue jerseys. Visibly moved and perhaps buoyed by a few drinks, he didn’t hold back, his words resonating with raw sincerity. “You know what, bro? I love City more than anything,” he told one supporter, his voice thick with emotion. The moment felt like a love letter to the club and its fans, but for many, it carried the weight of a farewell.
Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City has been a rollercoaster since his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, a British record at the time. He played a pivotal role in the club’s historic 2022-23 Treble, featuring in every match of their first-ever Champions League triumph and lifting three Premier League titles among seven trophies. Yet, the past two seasons have seen his star dim, with just seven Premier League starts last campaign and a meager four goals across two years. Pep Guardiola, while praising Grealish’s quality, has been candid about his reduced role, stating, “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever.” The manager’s decision to exclude Grealish from the Club World Cup squad last month signaled a turning point, with Guardiola suggesting a move elsewhere could help the winger rediscover the “butterflies in his stomach” from playing regularly.
The emotional outpouring at Heaton Park has struck a chord with City fans, who have taken to social media to express a mix of adoration and resignation. “Him being drunk makes it more genuine as you speak truthfully when drunk,” one supporter posted, capturing the sentiment that Grealish’s words were unfiltered and heartfelt. Another wrote, “We love him. We do. And we know he loves us. All we need is consistency.” Yet, the looming prospect of his exit—linked to clubs like Newcastle, Everton, Tottenham, and even Napoli—casts a shadow. “Truth comes out after a few bevvies. Good lad! Hope by some miracle he stays,” another fan shared, clinging to hope despite the odds. Others, however, see the writing on the wall: “The reason City fans love him and the reason he’s off this summer in one video.”
Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages and contract until 2027 complicate any transfer, with a loan move appearing more likely than a permanent deal. Guardiola, who was at the opposite end of the VIP section during the concert, has emphasized his desire for the best for Grealish, saying, “I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family.” The manager’s absence of interaction with Grealish at the gig, as noted by onlookers, underscored the professional distance that has grown between them, despite their shared love for City and Oasis.
For fans, Grealish’s words are a reminder of his infectious personality and undeniable contribution to City’s golden era. His off-field antics, often criticized, have also endeared him to supporters who see him as one of their own—a lad who lives for the club and its community. “You can want him to be sold, that’s fair enough, but I don’t understand how anyone could seriously hate him,” one fan argued, pointing to his role in City’s history. As the transfer window looms, the Heaton Park moment may well be remembered as Grealish’s poignant goodbye, a heartfelt ode to the club and fans he holds dear, even as his future lies elsewhere.
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