Jack Grealish suffered an unlikely problem for the very first time in his career against Real Madrid.
Grealish played the full 90 minutes as Manchester City drew 1-1 with the La Liga giants in their Champions League semi-final first leg tie on Tuesday.
The Man City star played a role in his side’s goal as he combined brilliantly with Ilkay Gundogan, who set up Kevin De Bruyne who fired a low strike into the back of the net to cancel out Vinicius Junior’s stunning opener.
Speaking after the game, Grealish said he loved his duel with Dani Carvajal, who was slammed by fans for his treatment of the England international.
“Yeah, I loved it man!” 😎
Jack Grealish speaks to @mrjakehumphrey, @rioferdy5, @joleonlescott & @themichaelowen about relishing the big occasions…#UCL pic.twitter.com/84NadOozTe
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 9, 2023
He also opened up about text messages he received from his mum and revealed he suffered cramp in both of his calves for the first time in his career.
“They let us have the first pass a few times and they had a high press after. Manager says keep the ball. Playing against Carvajal was tough,” he told BT Sport.
“People said to me last night you know what he’s going to be like. It was a good battle.
“I was tired at the end. I’ve never had cramp before, but I had cramp in both my calves at the end,” he said before the camera panned to his legs.
The 27-year-old added: “We were saying before the game these are the nights that you play football for, these are the nights you dream of.
“It’s like a dream come true really.
“We have a new team this year, different players and it’s a year ago. One thing we have is the perfect balance of experience and a few youngsters.
“We just have quality. I have never felt confident going onto the pitch having these players around me.”
Grealish has starred for the Blues this season, having made 46 appearances in all competitions this season.
He’s become a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola’s side and will likely keep his place in the team when Man City take on Real next Wednesday at the Etihad.
