Jack Grealish claims Graeme Souness "always has something to say about me" in the latest chapter of their ongoing spat.
Pundit Souness has criticised the Manchester City star on multiple occasions, describing him as a "good, not great" player last month. Grealish is known for being an honest footballer and is more than happy to respond to Souness when given the opportunity.
Grealish's form has been scrutinised following his £100million move from Aston Villa to City in the summer of 2021. The England international scored just six goals and provided four assists last season - and his stats haven't improved this term, scoring just once.
Yet Grealish has defended himself in a recent interview with French outlet L'Equipe. He said: "I often feel like I just do exactly the same things as the other players, but people talk about them because it is me doing them... That’s exactly what I said in relation to Souness: he always has something to say about me. And he responded by saying I can’t take criticism.
"Today, we, the footballers, if we allow ourselves to respond to something said about us, we are portrayed as if we are people who cannot stand criticism. Sometimes I want to say to them [the English media], 'Leave me alone a bit and focus on someone else' - so that I can focus on my game. Because there is always this noise around me."
Grealish first hit back at Souness after his "not great" comments in September. "I don’t know what his problem is with me," he said. "I try not to read it, obviously it’s difficult when he’s on talkSPORT or Sky Sports and it’s everywhere around the training ground at times.
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"He was obviously a great player, I don’t know what it is with what he says about me or what problem he’s got. I know my own ability. I know before he used to say a lot of stuff about me not moving the ball quicker."
Souness then responded to Grealish's comments on talkSPORT. He said: "I don’t have a problem with Grealish, I don’t have a problem with anyone. I think he’s a good player, technically he’s fantastic, but being a really good technician is only a part of the game."
The former Scotland international added: "I’m sure if I met Jack I would really like him. He’s a cheeky chappy and I’d like to have a night out with him as well, but I just feel the modern player doesn’t take criticism very well... I’m paid to offer an opinion and I’ve been in the game 50 years, so I think I’m entitled to have an opinion. Don't be so precious."
Souness is likely to have something to say about Grealish's latest comments when he next appears on talkSPORT or Sky Sports. As reported by The Athletic, Souness could step down from his role at Sky Sports at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Yet Souness' opinion will always be heard. The former Liverpool captain is a legend of the game, winning five league titles and three European Cups during his time at Anfield - among other honours. He also lifted 11 trophies as a manager.
Grealish will be hoping to silence Souness and his other critics by impressing on the pitch. City have five more games to play before the World Cup starts next month. The 27-year-old is expected to be part of England's squad for the tournament in Qatar.
