Miguel Almiron’s classy response to Jack Grealish’s ‘disrespectful’ jibe at Newcastle United star

Miguel Almiron has responded to Jack Grealish’s disparaging remark - after winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for October. The England star poked fun at the Paraguayan during Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations in May by saying that Riyad Mahrez had to be substituted because he “played like Almiron”.

And quite ironically, Grealish could only dream of playing like Almiron of the late. The 28-year-old has scored seven goals in seven games - eight in total this season - including standout strikes against Fulham, Everton and Aston Villa.

Given the timing of Almiron’s sensational upturn in form, it’s been suggested that Grealish’s comments have acted as a huge motivation. Almiron, however, insists they have nothing to do with his improvement and showed his class by wishing Grealish well.

Miguel Almiron responds to Jack Grealish’s comments

“No, I don’t think anything Jack Grealish said has got anything to do with the great form and the performances we’ve been showing as a group,” Almiron told Sky Sports. “Jack is a great player and I wish him all the best, as I always do. But this success is down to work, more work and even more hard work.”

Last month, former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright called out Grealish for his “disrespectful” comments. Wright told his Wrighty’s House Podcast: “Can we just roll back to Manchester City? There are certain things that are said in the dressing room, it’s not supposed to leave the dressing room.”

“I love Jack Grealish but for him to say ‘we should’ve took Mahrez off because he’s playing like Almiron’ is easily one of the most disrespectful things I’ve heard ever. That’s not supposed to be public consumption.”

What Eddie Howe has said about Miguel Almiron

“I think Miggy’s motivations are much bigger than that and greater than that,” Magpies head coach Howe said recently. “Any comment anyone can make in the world whether it is about me or someone else you have to have a bigger picture.

“The bigger picture for Miggy is being the best he can be for Newcastle. He loves the club, the supporters love him, he loves the supporters back and his motivations are greater than any comment from any individual. He is proud to play for his country as well so he has huge positive things in his life that drive him.

“Even from afar watching Miggy, because of his work-rate, he is a very difficult player to contain. He has added end product this season to his brilliant work out of possession. We are looking at every position to improve, and that won’t change with the ambition of the owners.

“Certainly, the players who are here and have done well for us will be respected. We’d love him to keep scoring great goals, but we don’t expect him to be scoring from 25 yards every week! I get just as much pleasure from the second goal against Fulham, a tap-in in the six yard box. They’re the goals that you’d love our players to deliver every week.