Jack Grealish dedicated his goal to his deceased brother after scoring 2-0 over the Degregasie-threatened Leicester on Wednesday in Manchester City’s 2-0 win.
The English international player reached his first Premier League goal for 16 months, with his first start in the competition since last December, when City again moved in fourth place with a comfortable success at Etihad Stadium.
It comes on the 25th anniversary of the death of his younger brother Keelan, who passed away at the age of just nine months.
Grealish said on the club’s official website: ‘This day is always difficult in the family, but I was happy to score.
“My mom and dad were here. This day is always difficult in the family. To score and win was brilliant. ‘
Grealish struggled for regular action this season because of the form of Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
All three players started against the Foxes and combined to set up the opener of Grealish after just two minutes.
City manager Pep Guardiola said: ‘Jack is an incredible person in terms of gestures and he is incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know it. I can’t imagine how tough (it was), but to be with his mother and father, his sister and the whole family, that’s fine.
“He scored a goal and made a good match. I’m glad for him. I know it’s not easy if you don’t play regularly. ‘
Omar Marmoush added the second to 29 minutes and City relieved the rest of the game to push an ineffective Leicester, which remains 12 points of safety closer to the drop.
Guardiola said: ‘It wasn’t easy with ten players behind the ball in the box and we missed the third goal to be more relaxed.
“But we didn’t give in to the end and I’m happy for a good performance.”
Guardiola also presented more explanation on the length of the absence of Erling, after the Norwegian sustained an ankle injury in the FA Cup quarterfinals in Bournemouth.
The striker has since received specialist treatment from Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona.
He said, “He saw him and we expect five to six weeks.”
The Leicester boss Ruud of Nistel Rooy admitted that his side’s situation is gloomy, but does not give up yet.
The Dutchman said: ‘Of course we live in reality. We know what the situation is in the table show – 12 points with eight games to play.
“But mathematically, as I said before, it’s not over and we have the responsibility to keep going.”
Leicester has now lost seven consecutive without score and nistelrooy admitted that they were never in their latest game.
He said: “Of course you want a good start in City Away, but before the half hour we were 2-0 off, it would be a long night.”
