Perhaps one of the most endearing aspects about seeing a player sign for Manchester City is their excitement towards playing alongside the side’s plethora of superstars.
The finest example of the aforementioned statement is none other than Jack Grealish.
The former Aston Villa talisman has never hidden his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne and touched upon how he was simply buzzing to be able to play alongside his footballing idol at Manchester City.
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Despite being one of the Premier League’s most revered playmakers and a national hero to millions, the silky attacker was all smiles when discussing how privileged he felt to be on the same pitch as some of the very best in the world.
The same could well be the case for Kalvin Phillips, whose £42 million signing from Leeds United was recently announced by the club.
While it goes without saying that the boyhood Elland Road fan always felt an unbridled sense of pride representing his local team, it’s a safe assumption to make that sharing the pitch with global superstars at the Etihad Stadium was a prospect too good to turn.
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The 26-year old confirmed this very thought in the latest episode of Inside City by saying, “Anybody else, I probably wouldn't have gone."
"The thought of playing for (Manchester) City, the manager, the players they've got.”
Quizzed about which one player he is most looking forward to playing with at Manchester City, Phillips found it difficult to pinpoint a single individual due to the quality of talent in the squad.
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However, he eventually named Jack Grealish on the same episode of InsideCity as his outstanding pick, explaining, “Because I’ve played against him for so long and never actually played with him until England (national team), I’d probably say Jack (Grealish)."
"Just simply because we’ve played against each other for so long and always had to battle against each other."
"It’d just be nice to be on the same team.”
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The defensive midfielder’s answer comes as no surprise, as it was recently revealed that Manchester City’s £100 million man was ‘instrumental’ in convincing his fellow countryman to join the six-time Premier League champions.
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It has also been reported that the former Leeds talisman had also taken a late decision to join the same agency as Grealish’s to complete the final negotiations with Pep Guardiola’s side.
The pair have been described as ‘close friends’, and for both to be able to translate their positive relationship on the pitch as well will be a sight to behold for Manchester City supporters in the 2022/23 season.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Premier League, Football, Transfers