Jack Grealish has responded to rumors about his potential appearance in this year’s I’m a Celebrity. Get Me Out of Here!, revealing that he’s a big fan of the show.
The hit TV series made its return last weekend for its 24th season. Last year, Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle, beating out rivals Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage.
Over the years, many England internationals have appeared on the show, such as Ian Wright in 2019 and Jill Scott, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle two years ago. This year, however, Grealish has been rumored to join the cast.
While Grealish acknowledged his long-time love for the show, he rejected the idea of joining this year but expressed interest in the future. “I’ve heard that a few of you guys want to see me in the jungle,” the Manchester City star told hosts Ant and Dec.
“I can’t lie, that is something that I’d absolutely love to do. It’s a show that I’ve watched for years since I was little and a show that I love.
“I don’t know how I’d get on in there. I don’t think I’d be the best to be honest but yeah, I’d give it a go. Obviously not this year, I don’t think Pep [Guardiola, Manchester City manager] would be too happy if I ended up in there this year.
“But you know, never say never, it could happen one day.”
Grealish has been absent from City’s last three Premier League matches due to injury. The winger sustained the injury during training before the Champions League clash with Sparta Prague and later withdrew from the England squad, despite initially being a surprising inclusion.
He returned to training this week and might be included in the squad for Saturday’s match against Tottenham (5:30pm).
Guardiola Vows to Stay, Even if Man City Face Relegation
Pep Guardiola has expressed his commitment to guiding Manchester City back to the top, even if the club is relegated to the National League due to alleged financial issues.
This week, the City manager ended any doubts about his future by signing a contract extension, keeping him at the club, which he has led to six Premier League titles, until the summer of 2027.
The news has provided a boost to the champions amid significant off-field uncertainty.
The club is currently facing 115 charges of alleged rule violations following an investigation into their financial dealings.
City denies any wrongdoing, but if proven guilty, they could face harsh penalties, including the potential for relegation.
Guardiola, who mentioned his contract talks were wrapped up in two hours, said: “I said six months ago, not because now I’ve extended my contract.
“I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here.
“Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.”
Since taking over at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, Guardiola has won 18 trophies, including the Champions League and two FA Cups.
His previous contract was set to expire next summer. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager stated: “I felt I should stay here because they want me – for obvious reasons, for the results.
“Sometimes something can ignite in yourself to say that is the moment to stay here. In just two hours, we did it. Maybe I am a little bit arrogant but I think we deserve to continue for what we have done in the last years.
“But I’m not naive enough to think I am going to stay because we have a contract or what we have done in the past. Maybe in a month I am not here if the situation is not going well. We have to do it again.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has expressed additional frustration with his team’s long injury list, particularly highlighting the impact of international football on the issue.
City, who will host Tottenham this weekend, have lost their last four matches across all competitions, with a significant number of absentees playing a key role in the setbacks.
Mateo Kovacic is the latest to be sidelined, set to miss up to a month due to an injury sustained while on international duty.
Defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake are nearing a return, but Guardiola expressed his frustration by pointing to the case of 19-year-old Max Alleyne, a player who isn’t a regular starter.
Guardiola, who was frustrated when England called up an injured Jack Grealish, said: “Max Alleyne – they pushed his limits and he came back injured.
“They should be more in contact, national teams with the specific doctors from here because if one player goes not in a perfect condition and trains with the under-21s in the morning and in the afternoon with the under-20s, and then plays two games when not fully fit, it’s normal that he is injured. We will lose him for three weeks to one month again.”
Stay on Top of the Game! Get the latest football news, updates, and insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now