Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific striker, recently opened up about the emotional farewell to his close friend and teammate Jack Grealish, who has embarked on a season-long loan move to Everton.

The transfer, finalized on August 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Grealish, who has struggled to secure a regular starting role at Manchester City amid fierce competition.

Known for his stoic presence on the pitch, Haaland revealed a more vulnerable side as he expressed sadness and support for Grealish, highlighting the deep bond forged between the two during their time at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland and Grealish’s friendship blossomed following the Norwegian’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, coinciding with Manchester City’s historic treble-winning 2022/23 season.

Their camaraderie, both on and off the field, became a defining feature of their partnership, with many lighthearted moments shared during title celebrations and interviews.

One particularly memorable incident occurred in 2023 when Haaland interrupted Grealish’s Sky Sports interview, exclaiming, “I f***ing love you, you know that?” This spontaneous display of affection captured the unique chemistry between the two players, reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect, humor, and genuine friendship.

In an emotional Instagram post, Haaland bid farewell to Grealish by sharing a collection of photos chronicling their journey together—from jubilant on-field celebrations to candid off-field moments, including a playful shot featuring their wax figures.

Accompanying the images was a heartfelt caption: “@jackgrealish 🫶🏻🩵,” using the light blue heart and hand-heart emojis to symbolize his affection for Grealish and their shared connection to Manchester City.

The post resonated deeply with fans, who flooded the comments with messages of support and nostalgia, marking the end of a cherished chapter for the duo.

Haaland’s emotional investment was further evident when he responded to an Everton fan page on social media, urging supporters to “Take good care of him!” This succinct yet poignant message, widely reported by outlets such as OneFootball and City Xtra, encapsulated Haaland’s hope that Grealish would thrive in his new environment.

The sentiment was particularly significant given Grealish’s challenges at Manchester City, where he managed only seven starts in the previous Premier League campaign.

The arrivals of promising attackers Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki had relegated Grealish down the pecking order, prompting his move to Everton in search of consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The loan deal to Everton, which includes a £50 million option to buy, offers Grealish a fresh start.

He has openly expressed his desire to revive his career and reclaim a spot in England’s national squad under manager Thomas Tuchel.

Choosing Everton over other suitors, including Tottenham Hotspur, was influenced by his preference to remain in the northwest of England, where he has settled comfortably.

The Toffees’ willingness to cover 75% of his £300,000 weekly wages underscores their belief in his potential to recapture the form that made him a record £100 million signing in 2021.

Moreover, the prospect of working under experienced manager David Moyes and playing at the new Dickinson Hill Stadium added appeal to the move.

Haaland’s farewell also highlighted the bittersweet nature of Grealish’s departure.

Together, they shared significant successes, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

Yet, Grealish’s struggles with consistency and fitness in recent seasons led to his exclusion from Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad in June 2025—a decision that Haaland openly lamented.

At the time, Haaland posted a photo on Snapchat showing an empty seat beside him on the team’s flight to the United States, captioned, “Jack Grealish where are you,” accompanied by a crying emoji.

This poignant moment underscored the disappointment of losing a close teammate and friend during a major tournament.

For Haaland, Grealish’s move signifies not only the loss of a teammate but also a companion whose personality brought balance to his intense focus.

In a 2023 interview, Haaland described Grealish as a “kind person” who added joy to the squad, while Grealish humorously remarked on Haaland’s disciplined lifestyle, joking about the striker’s ice baths and rigorous recovery routines.

Their contrasting personalities—Haaland’s relentless professionalism and Grealish’s laid-back charisma—made their friendship all the more endearing to fans and teammates alike.

As Grealish prepares to don Everton’s number 18 shirt—a tribute to club legends Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne—Haaland’s words serve as a touching reminder of football’s human side.

While the transfer is a practical move for both player and club, it carries significant emotional weight for those who witnessed the Haaland-Grealish partnership flourish at Manchester City.

Everton supporters, buoyed by Haaland’s endorsement, eagerly anticipate Grealish’s arrival, hoping he can reignite his spark on Merseyside.

Meanwhile, Haaland and Manchester City will continue their pursuit of silverware, but the absence of Grealish’s infectious energy will undoubtedly be felt at the Etihad Stadium.

In sum, Erling Haaland’s heartfelt farewell to Jack Grealish highlights the profound personal connections that underpin professional football.

Their friendship, forged through triumphs and trials, exemplifies the camaraderie that makes the sport more than just a game.

As Grealish embarks on a new chapter with Everton, both players carry the memories of their shared journey—a testament to the enduring bonds formed on and off the pitch.