“Okie dokie love x” – Jack Grealish hits out at Manchester City criticism in Instagram comments | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Jack Grealish has hit back at critics with responses in the comments section of an Instagram post on Thursday afternoon.

Responses from the 29-year-old come off the back of reports indicating that his time at the Etihad Stadium could be coming to an end, with Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff expected to leave the player out of their plans for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

The snub for the United States-hosted tournament also follows a decision on the final day of the recent Premier League season to leave Grealish out of the travelling squad that recorded a 0-2 win on the road at Fulham to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season.

The understanding in various quarters is that both City and Grealish want to be allowed the freedom and time to secure the player a solution to his struggling career at present, particularly ahead of a season that could decide whether he features at the 2026 World Cup.

The former Aston Villa captain has significantly struggled for game time and opportunities of late, finding himself sidelined and often left on the bench barring late substitute appearances to close out matches for Manchester City.

Now, speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Thursday, former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor hit out at Pep Guardiola’s treatment of Jack Grealish in the recent FA Cup Final defeat to Crystal Palace, and the decision to bring on teenager Claudio Echeverri ahead of him.

“Bringing on a young kid for his debut in an FA Cup final when you’re chasing a goal, when you’ve got someone who has had the career Jack’s had seemed a bit odd,” Agbonlahor said. “That seemed like a bit personal to me.”

He continued, “You know like a last little dig to get you out, to upset you, to want you to move, but we’ve seen this before from Pep. Pep can be ruthless at times if he feels that you’re not part of his future plans. He will get rid of you.”

In the comments of an Instagram post containing the clip from Agbonlahor’s discussion on the matter, one user said, “Dude Jack is (sic) been bad lately and I’m not surprised Pep did that.”

And that comment, among others, caught the attention of Jack Grealish directly as he responded, “Haha I’ve been bad lately? Scored three goals in my last three appearances over 45 mins but okie dokie love x.”

The England international, who was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest Three Lions selection also commented, “What u want me to do, score a hatty in 20?”

For now, it remains to be seen what solutions Manchester City will find for the player or what proposals may be put on the table for him and his family, alongside his entourage, to weigh up over the course of the coming weeks.

Due to expected complications over finances for many clubs looking to secure Jack Grealish this summer, it may be the case that a loan agreement for the forthcoming season is more likely than a permanent exit.