Jack Grealish sends heartwarming text to Dean Smith

Grealish and Smith worked together at Aston Villa

Smith has returned to management, replacing Brendan Rodgers until the end of the season as he attempts to avoid the drop with the Foxes.

His first assignment doesn't get more difficult than it can as he takes the 19th-placed side to title chasing Manchester City and are two points adrift of safety with eight games to go.

Among those in the Man City camp is Grealish, who worked closely with Smith during their time at Aston Villa.

It was under Smith where Grealish truly began to flourish and as a result earned himself a £100m move to the Premier League champions.

Grealish is currently in his best form since moving from the west midlands and ahead of his former boss' return to the dugout, offered Smith a message of congratulations.

"I spoke to Jack when I was driving through South Carolina last week then he sent me a message of congratulations when I joined Leicester," Smith revealed."

The former Villa boss was also quick to praise the England international for his recent string of performances.

"It’s great to see him playing so well for a top team – not just for him but for the country," he added.

"It’s difficult to stop Jack because a lot of teams are finding it hard. But we can't just concentrate on him because they have a number of players worth £50million and more in that squad.

"I think he went to City as a British record transfer with a lot of expectation on him in that first season. He was going into a new club filled with unbelievable players and he's had. He looks more relaxed now, more confident and comfortable in games.

"And it was not as though he had a terrible first season. He ended up with a Premier League winner’s medal around his neck."

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