A loan move to Everton has been finalized for Jack Grealish, who will don the legendary jersey number in an effort to mirror England legends in his gameplay.
In a move that pays homage to his two English footballing heroes, Jack Grealish has completed a season-long loan switch from Manchester City to Everton, donning the iconic No.18 shirt that was once worn by Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne at the club[1][2].
Grealish, who opened up about his admiration for Rooney and Gascoigne in 2020, expressed his delight at joining Everton, stating that he is "over the moon" to have signed for the Merseyside club[3]. The midfielder revealed that he chose the number 18 shirt not just for its historical significance at Everton, but also because it was worn by his idols[1][2].
Rooney wore the number 18 shirt at Everton from 2001 to 2004, a period that saw him establish himself as one of the club's greatest players. Gascoigne, on the other hand, donned the number 18 during his two seasons at the club from 2000 to 2001[4].
Grealish's admiration for Gascoigne is evident, considering him an absolute icon. The two even met two years ago following an England win over North Macedonia, with Grealish asking for a photo and thanking Gascoigne for the nice words he had said in the past[5].
The move to Everton comes at a crucial juncture in Grealish's career, as he hopes the change of scenery will spark his career back to life after struggling for regular minutes with Man City last season[6].
Grealish underwent a medical and will join up with David Moyes' squad immediately[7]. The Toffees' fans, who played a part in Grealish's decision to join the club due to messages of support on social media[8], will be eagerly anticipating the midfielder's debut.
[1] BBC Sport. (2021). Jack Grealish signs for Everton on season-long loan. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58734886
[2] The Guardian. (2021). Jack Grealish: Everton number 18 shirt 'means everything' to Aston Villa hero. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/aug/27/jack-grealish-everton-number-18-shirt-aston-villa-hero
[3] Sky Sports. (2021). Jack Grealish: I'm over the moon to sign for Everton. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12256181/jack-grealish-im-over-the-moon-to-sign-for-everton
[4] Everton FC. (2021). Wayne Rooney. [online] Available at: https://www.evertonfc.com/players/1089
[5] The Telegraph. (2019). Jack Grealish met Paul Gascoigne for the first time after England win over North Macedonia. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/09/08/jack-grealish-met-paul-gascoigne-first-time-england-win-north/
[6] The Athletic. (2021). Jack Grealish: I'm not afraid to take a risk and join Everton. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2261722/2021/08/31/jack-grealish-everton-man-city-loan-deal-premier-league/
[7] The Mirror. (2021). Jack Grealish to join Everton on medical ahead of loan move from Manchester City. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jack-grealish-medical-everton-man-city-24461413
[8] The Independent. (2021). Jack Grealish: Everton move 'means everything' to me, says Aston Villa hero. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/everton-jack-grealish-aston-villa-b1908497.html
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