Jack Grealish breaks silence on Everton move as he gives reason for picking iconic shirt

Jack Grealish has selected the No 18 shirt at Everton so he could follow the same path as heroes Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney.

The England winger has joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City, with the Toffees securing a £50m option to make the move permanent next summer.

Everton are covering the bulk of Grealish's salary, which is understood to cost approximately £12m. The 29-year-old joined City in 2021 for £100m but has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

He's now seeking to revive his career at Everton and will wear the same number his footballing idols donned for the Merseyside club.

"There is a reason for [choosing number 18]," he said. "There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here. So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.

"I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him - about the number 18 - so I hope he's happy as well!".

Rooney donned the shirt during his initial stint at the club before his transfer to Manchester United, where he became an England icon. Grealish is hoping consistent game time at Everton will earn him a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad next summer.

However, he must first prove his worth for the Toffees. He said: "I'm over the moon to have signed for Everton - It's massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans. "As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.

"On social media, I've been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there's that side of it as well and that's another reason why I chose Everton. I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I've had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I'm sure I will."

Grealish secured three Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup whilst at City.

However, he managed just 715 minutes of Premier League action last season after slipping down the hierarchy.

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I think we're getting him at a good time because he's experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we're all fully aware of the levels he's capable of performing to.

"I know Jack's ambition is to get back into the England squad so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season. We're all looking forward to working with him and providing a platform for him to show the best version of himself."