Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has revealed how his in-form teammate Miguel Almiron responded to comments made by Jack Grealish in May.
During Manchester City’s title celebrations, Grealish was recorded taking a swipe at his City comrade Riyad Mahrez, saying he “played like Almiron” in their title-winning match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium
The England international had clearly had a bit too much to drink, and his comment was likely made in jest, but many saw it as disrespectful from a fellow professional.
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So far this season, the £100 million signing from Aston Villa has scored just one goal for the Citizens whereas Newcastle’s Paraguayan has been in great form. Almiron has seven goals in the Premier League having also registered one assist.
Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson said that he didn’t know what caused the upturn in form from Almiron but he “just shrugged his shoulders” when asked about the comments Grealish made about him.
When asked if Almiron was angry with what was said, Wilson replied: “That comment was made and I didn’t even realise the comment had been made until recently and when someone was saying it I was like ‘why, what’s been said?’
“I was oblivious to it and someone was saying that Jack said this and that, and [Almiron] is just like South American, such a nice guy, really happy, he didn’t even really comment on it, you know. He just shrugged his shoulders.
“I think internally he probably used it as motivation and it's driven him but he hasn’t said anything to me. His English is quite good and I can imagine it was a little bit frustrating to hear that about himself so he thought, ‘I've put some respect on my name’."
Wilson has been on fire himself this term. He has scored six goals in the league as Newcastle sit fourth in the table with just one defeat after 13 matches. His form is gaining recognition and people are starting to wonder if there is a place for him in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for Qatar.
