Michael Owen says Aston Villa fans treatment of one player made him feel ‘physically sick’

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Football fans can often have harsh opinions of certain players, and Michael Owen was stunned by Aston Villa’s treatment of one individual.

The West Midlands club are notorious for having a great atmosphere at Villa Park, which is positive for their own team, but makes life difficult for the opposition.

That is especially true if they target one individual throughout a match, as it can create a toxic environment for them to play under.

One ex-Aston Villa player has experienced this when returning to the football club, despite what they achieved during their time there.

Michael Owen couldn’t believe how Aston Villa fans treated Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish made a significant impact during his time at Villa, helping the club gain promotion back to the Premier League, but Owen isn’t a fan of how the fans treat him.

Grealish joined Man City in 2021 for £100million, and since then, he’s received a frosty reception at Villa Park, which Owen spoke about during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

“Jack Grealish, the Aston Villa booed him and are quite nasty to this day against him. I couldn’t believe it when I was watching him play against them, and it made me feel physically sick.

“Here’s a kid who’s been there since he was a baby, like seven or something, come through the ranks. They were rubbish, they were in the Championship.

“He’s literally, and I don’t care [what anyone says], dragged them singlehandedly. If ever there’s been a one-man team in the last 15 years in football, I would say it was him at Villa.

“Dragged them up singlehandedly, captained the team, £100million he’s gone for.

“If he didn’t do that and said no to Manchester City, what would our game be like? What would football be like? It would be rubbish.”

Jack Grealish is trying to recapture his form at Everton

Despite all of Grealish’s success during his time at Manchester City, the tricky winger departed the club this summer to regain his form and get more regular playing time.

Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan as he looks to be part of David Moyes‘ rebuilding of the club. He also aims to secure his place in the England squad at next summer’s World Cup.

The 29-year-old has already reminded football fans of his capabilities, picking up four assists in the opening three Premier League games and helping Everton gain six points.

While he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming Three Lions fixtures, if Grealish’s form ends up anywhere near what he produced at Villa, he will give the manager something to consider.