“Have to start being nicer to each other in this world man” - Jack Grealish shares RIP message after death of One Direction star Liam Payne
Manchester City star Jack Grealish has paid tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne after the singer died on Wednesday (October 16). The 31-year-old fell to his death from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Jack Grealish posted a sombre message responding to Liam Payne's passing on his Instagram story. He wrote:
"Awhhh no. This is so sad man!! So so sad!! RIP Liam Payne. Have to start [being] nicer to each other in this world man."
Liam Payne was in Argentina to support his former One Direction band member, Niall Horan, who was performing. He was staying at CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
The singer, who was a member of one of the most successful pop bands in history, had spoken about dealing with mental health issues in the past. He leaves behind a son aged seven.
The ex-partner of Cheryl Cole was born in Wolverhampton but moved to the United States as his singing career took off. He was a West Bromwich Albion fan, and the EFL Championship club posted a tribute on their X account:
"We're shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne. Our thoughts are with Liam's family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time."
Liam Payne's career started when he auditioned on The X Factor before being put into the band. Other members included Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.
Jack Grealish highlighted his mental struggles when adapting to life at Manchester City
Jack Grealish was thrust into the spotlight when he joined City from Aston Villa in a £100 million move in August 2021. The English attacker encountered difficulties during his spell at the Etihad, and many questioned his performances.
The 29-year-old spoke about this in April of this year and how his manager, Pep Guardiola, helped him overcome his struggles. He said (via The Daily Mail):
"It's been a difficult season for me personally after the highs of last year. I spoke to the manager a lot and he's been so good with me. I owe him a little bit and want to repay him now with my performances and the team as well. I speak to my friends in the [dressing room] every day, I know how important I am to the team. I speak to the manager and at the back end of last season you've seen how much the manager played me."
Grealish was instrumental in City's treble-winning 2022-23 campaign but was in and out of Guardiola's team last season. He missed out on a place in England's squad for Euro 2024 in the summer but has since returned to international duty under caretaker boss Lee Carsley.