'Let him live his life' - Grealish's Las Vegas partying defended by Akinfenwa

The Man City star made the headlines during a post-season holiday, meeting up with Declan Rice, with photos showing the Premier League's £100million record signing looking a little worse for wear.

It's not the first time the 26-year-old has made news for off-field activity, but this most recent example comes during his holidays after a campaign where he won the league title.

Football League legend Akinfenwa joined talkSPORT Breakfast, and his annoyance was clear when the subject was brought up.

"Stop it, stop it," the former striker said. "He's young, he's very good at the sport he wants to do.

"His season's finished, so now the narrative's that Grealish loves a good night out and maybe he does, OK, everyone else who was young would do the same.

"Let's say he doesn't reach the pinnacle of what he is, he can only have himself to blame, but everybody has an opinion.

"But this one, end of season, they've had a gruelling season, he's in Vegas having the time of his life, which he should, and then go again.

"Social media is there and you can't get rid of it. Back in the day when social media wasn't there they were doing the same thing, it's just because it wasn't plastered everywhere to be seen.

"Let the boy go out and enjoy it!

"There is a fine line, I didn't reach the pinnacle, I wasn't [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Use Ronaldo, you've never seen him come out of a club, and I guess that's why him and [Lionel] Messi are they way they are.

"But everyone's path is different, and if Grealish likes to play football for enjoyment, and live a life for enjoyment, so be it.

"Let him live his life!"

Breakfast host and Rangers legend Ally McCoist agreed, naming two sporting all-time greats who still hit the top of their game despite the occasional blow-out.

He said: "Tyson Fury, he told Jim White he went on a party for about two or three weeks and retained the title.

"Usian Bolt was a party animal, loved it, but knew what his job was and was very, very good at it."

Grealish's former Aston Villa teammate and current Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan also jumped to the England international's defence.

He tweeted: "What is Jack Grealish actually doing wrong by being in Vegas enjoying his time off?"

"Lay off the kid's back. Most other Premier League players are doing exactly the same, but nothing being said!"