Jack Grealish makes telling Manchester City remark as he proves point at Everton

Jack Grealish is back to enjoying his football as he starred in Everton ’s curtain-raising win over Brighton at their new stadium.

The on-loan Manchester City ace got the assists for Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner in the 2-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Grealish, 29, had fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola so needed to make a change this summer and is loving life on the blue half of Merseyside.

He said: “The main thing was to enjoy football and enjoy playing every day. I think maybe at times in the last couple of years, I’ve not fallen out of love, but didn’t enjoy football as much as I should.

“My family said it to me at times when I was at home. That’s down to nobody but myself. I absolutely love football and I want to have that feeling again when you get up on a match day and can’t wait to get out there.

READ MORE: Fans say the same thing about Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium minutes into first match

READ MORE: Everton's new £750m stadium has transformed abandoned area but there's work to be done

“That’s how I felt today and hopefully my performance showed that.” Everton kicked off life at their new stadium with a big three points and boss David Moyes paid tribute to those who helped make it happen.

He said: “You go to nearly all the best stadiums in the world, but this felt different because it was to do with the people who put the thought and effort into building this ground, who instigated it, found a way to get the money.

“This is a big step for Everton Football Club. For 100 years there will be different managers here, but the stadium will be here and we have to start the building of a strong team.

"We are trying to get a good foundation.” Brighton now have just one point after two games.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler insists the half-time substitute of Manchester United target Carlos Baleba was tactical rather than any distractions about his future.

He added: “I'm not wondering how we lost. Of course, the game could also go in a different direction, but in the end it's about scoring goals when you create the chances and keeping a clean sheet.

“There were some details we didn't make right, and that's something we have to improve if we want to win the game.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.