Aymeric Laporte was on the ground in tears as Manchester City claimed another Premier League title.
The defending champions retained their crown once more and were presented with the trophy at the Etihad after they'd seen off Chelsea on Sunday. It is their fifth title in six years and their third in succession, but Laporte has rarely featured this season and could have played his last game for the club.
The Spanish international, rather than rejoicing and partying with his team-mates, was seen sat down in an emotional state, further feeding the narrative that he could seek pastures new this summer with his minutes limited under Pep Guardiola.
The Daily Mail has reported that City will not stand in Laporte's way if he does want to move on. The club have long tried to keep morale high in the group and do not want players in the squad who are frustrated with their roles.
Laporte was previously a guaranteed starter for the champions, but new faces and improvements to established stars has seen him slip down the pecking order. Ruben Dias is their defensive leader and commands a spot at the heart of the back four whilst Manuel Akanji has been an inspired signing.
John Stones meanwhile, who has faced his challenges at the club, has gone up a level this term having thrived in a hybrid role that often sees him move into midfield and showcase his passing ability. Nathan Ake too has seen major improvements, all of which has meant Laporte has started just seven times in the league.
City spent over £50m to sign the defender from Athletic Bilbao in the January of 2018 and the 28-year-old would not be short of suitors if he were to make his availability known.
Laporte recently discussed his future in Manchester, but by no means spoke with any great confidence. He said: "They said to come here and since the first day I realised that it was something very special and I wanted to come here to win many, many trophies and make history with this club as long as I can.”
Ake, who himself has had to bide his time under Guardiola, confessed that the greater the involvement, the greater the satisfaction, which may speak to Laporte's own motivations.
The Dutchman told Sky Sports during the City celebrations: "If you contributed a little bit more then personally you feel a little bit more involved. I’m very happy with this one.
"You have to get your rhythm and get your momentum in the team, and when you get your opportunities you have to take them. I think the manager’s always kept faith in me and given me opportunities, and I felt this season I’ve grown and grown and grown."
