Grealish apologises to Everton fans after disciplinary absence
Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton supporters and the club after missing three matches through a breach of club discipline, returning to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County.
Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton fans and the club after a disciplinary issue kept him out of recent matches. The on-loan Manchester City midfielder missed both of Everton's games against Newcastle United — in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup — as well as the win over Coventry before the international break, following what was described as a breach of club discipline.
Grealish returned to the pitch on Thursday, playing in a behind-closed-doors victory over Championship side Derby County. Writing on his Instagram story, he said it was good to be back with the team after several days of training and expressed his regret at being unable to help the side in recent weeks.
In the same message, the 31-year-old told supporters he enjoys playing for Everton and is eager to pull on the shirt in front of them again soon. The apology was directed at both the fans and everyone at the club.
Before the Coventry match, manager David Moyes was asked whether the international break might allow Everton to settle the matter with Grealish. He gave no firm answer, saying only that the situation would need to be monitored.
Grealish is seeking to revive his career at Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City, who signed him for £100m in 2021. He scored twice in 22 appearances during a loan spell last season that injury cut short, and returned for a second loan this season but had made only six appearances before dropping out of contention.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
