Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish admits studying the game of Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo when growing up.

Grealish is desperate to help keep his boyhood club in the Premier League this season, with Villa's campaign resuming with a match against Sheffield United on June 17.

“I love all that," he told the Express & Star, when asked being barracked by opposition fans. “I love when people are on my back and targeting me.

"I always remember when I was a kid - and I am not saying I am anywhere near his level - but Cristiano Ronaldo used to come to Villa (for Manchester United ) and the fans used to absolutely cane him.

“He used to thrive off it and that is what I try to do. I try to thrive off the hatred from the fans."