The playmaker found himself on the margins at Manchester City and missed out on a place in England's Euro 2024 squad last year and admits that his football struggles contrasted with the joy of becoming a father for the first time.

Grealish said after City's FA Cup victory against Leyton Orient on Saturday (08.02.25): "Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years - probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch."

The star has been given limited gametime by Pep Guardiola this season but is determined to revive his career at City.

He said: "I found it really difficult. But it's a new year, a sort of fresh start, and hopefully I can kick on from here.

"I feel like in my last few games that I have played - against Palace, Salford and Orient - I am trying to be involved more in the goals and assists. Listen, I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm - the way I was a couple of years ago when I was playing a lot of games in a row.

"I do find it difficult at times to come in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully I can keep training well and playing a few more games."

City survived a scare as they needed to come from behind to beat Orient 2-1 and reach the fifth round and Grealish praised the lower-league side.

He said: "A lot of credit has to go to Orient - they were outstanding.

"The fans were brilliant, their keeper was brilliant and I love playing at grounds like this. I have come up through the ranks and it does bring me back to my childhood."