Erling Haaland may be focused on the pitch but good mate Jack Grealish says he’s funny off it.
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Grealish opened up this week on life alongside Haaland at the City Football Academy.
He’s a big admirer of the Premier League Player and Young Player of the Season, who takes the business of scoring goals very seriously.
Indeed, he bagged a record 36 in the top-flight and 52 across all competitions in our Treble-winning 2022/23 season.
But Grealish has revealed a more humorous side to the powerful forward ahead of our latest Premier League assignment against Arsenal.
“I remember training with him for the first time in America in pre-season. Here we are now – a year down the line, a great guy,” said Grealish.
“He loves a joke, people say he looks so serious but off the pitch and when we’re chilling in the treatment room or dressing room, he loves a joke and a laugh.
“He’s good to have around. That’s where we click quite a lot.”
Our skilful No.10 knows Haaland better than most, having formed a close bond with the powerful forward since he arrived in pre-season 2022.
He admires Haaland’s diligent and dedicated preparation before every game he plays.
“In life everyone is different, and everyone prepares different,” continued the Brummie playmaker.
“I have so much respect for what Erling does and how he looks after his body.
“I’m different and we all prepare different. Everything I’ve done has got me to where I am now.”
It’s not just off the field where Grealish and Haaland are tight.
The attack-minded pair are on the same wavelength when they cross the white line.
Grealish developed an almost telepathic connection with the No.9 from the moment he arrived from Borussia Dortmund.
But, the 28-year says the on-field relationship is getting stronger all the time.
“I know certain stuff that he does which I wouldn’t have known in the first few months because I hadn’t played with him enough,” added Grealish.
“It’s like anything – when you do something with someone for a longer period you know and now, I know certain stuff that he likes.”
