City’s record signing says he was thrilled to learn he would be our new No.10 and hoped it might happen – but it was a surprise to find out it was actually his and now he can’t wait to take on the mantle.
“I said to my agent I would have loved the shirt,” said Grealish.
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“They are big shoes to fill after Sergio had it for so many years. We know how successful he was.
“If I can manage to achieve half of what he did with City I’ll have done really well!
“But I feel I can wear it and do well in it. It shows how much the club value me and I feel I can play in it with full confidence
“I spoke to the manager a fair bit and he said I can play a number of positions.
“That is what he’s said to me and I feel I can do that at a team like City. Getting the 10 shirt was a brilliant feeling.”
Speaking at Monday evening’s CFA press conference, the England midfielder also admitted the record fee paid by City will not weigh heavily on his shoulders.
Far from it, in fact – he is more than happy with the tag of the Premier League’s most expensive signing.
“I take it as a compliment,” he smiled.
“It probably hasn’t sunk in actually. It means so much to me the club were willing to spend that money on me.
“No pressure with the price tag, it just shows how much the club and manager value me.
“ I like it. It’s a good tag to have. When you see a club pay that money for a player it means they trust you and see potential to work with.
“ I only see it as a good thing. I hope I can repay the football club by winning titles and winning that trophy that we all want.
“I’m just thrilled to be here. It’s been a crazy few days, going into a new changing room - I’ve not done that before - and I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it.
“Everyone has made me and my family feel so welcome. It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make but it was something I couldn’t turn down.
“The chance to win trophies, play with Kevin De Bruyne and play for the best manager in the world was a massive factor as well. “
