Man City star Jack Grealish told to ‘put himself around better people’ as ex-Liverpool FC star slams his off-field behaviour

Jack Grealish has been encouraged to surround himself with “better people” and “stay out of the firing line” while off the pitch.

The midfielder lifted his first Premier League title with Manchester City last month and defended his behaviour during the end-of-season celebrations. Grealish became the poster boy for England during a successful Euro 2020.

He’s earned celebrity status as a result and was reportedly set to pen a £1m endorsement deal with Gucci in April. His off-field endeavours have seemingly rarely affected his football performance.

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That said, his time away from the pitch isn’t totally unblotted. He and Phil Foden were dropped by Pep Guardiola for December's clash with Newcastle after the pair were pictured in a nightclub after their 7-0 thrashing of Leeds.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former England international Danny Murphy suggested that the playmaker needs to get his ducks in a row.

“He has made a rod for his own back, Jack,” he said. “He has become a target because he’s got himself in some situations that you shouldn't get yourself in.

“And once you’ve had a couple of misdemeanours and a couple of problems that have been well documented, you then have to put your head down and stay out of the firing line. And there’s ways and means of doing it.

“Even the end of season stuff, when you’ve just won the league and you’re looking like you’re more done in than everyone else, you start saying a couple of silly things.”

Murphy said that in order for Grealish to reach his full potential, he must reconsider his social circle to protect his image. He admitted the attacker is likely to have a