Kevin De Bruyne certainly wasn’t in the festive spirit after walking down the tunnel immediately after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw against Everton.
The Citizens midfielder was brought on in the 75th minute in the Boxing Day clash at the Etihad, but barely made an impact off the bench.
And not wanting to stick around, the 33-year-old instead made a sharp beeline to the tunnel.
On his way off the pitch, the Belgium international was greeted by Pep Guardiola, but it’s safe to say their interaction was anything but friendly.
Though that’s hardly a surprise given City’s dreadful form, with the Premier League champions winning just once from their last 13 games in all competitions.
Commenting on De Bruyne’s sharp exit, talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham said: “What was telling right at the end, Kevin De Bruyne was probably the first down the tunnel.”
To which ex-City defender Danny Mills, on commentary duty for talkSPORT, replied: “I noticed that, he just turned and left the field.
“Pep sort of went towards him, but it was very acrimonious wasn’t it? It wasn’t a pat on the back and a handshake.
“I think Kevin De Bruyne did not look happy. Yes, he’ll be disappointed with the result.
“But I think equally he’ll be very very disappointed he only got what, 15 minutes or so?”
It was only last week which saw De Bruyne left on the bench by Guardiola as Aston Villa beat City 2-1 in the Midlands.
De Bruyne – in the final year of his contract at City – has once again been plagued by an injury-hit season so far.
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He has chipped in with just two goals and as many assists from ten top-flight outings this term.
More to follow…
