Julian Alvarez might already have realised he will not be given any special treatment as he prepares to sign for Manchester City during the January transfer window.
As the clock ticks towards Monday's 11pm deadline, it should only be a matter of time before the River Plate starlet is unveiled by the Premier League champions.
Should that deal go ahead, it's expected that Alvarez will be loaned back to River for the rest of this season.
The 21-year-old would then join up with Pep Guardiola and his star-studded squad in the summer, although there could be complications in that regard if the Argentine outfit progress in the Copa Libertadores.
That's owing to differences in how the football schedule is put together in South America compared to the UK.
City and their supporters would have been keeping a close eye on Alvarez last night, though, as he won a sixth cap for the national team during their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile — and he was on the receiving end of some old-school tactics.
In an era where every move is picked up by the TV cameras, gone have the days where players can get away with 'subtle' kicks or trips on their opponents.
Even so, Chile defender Guillermo Maripan tried his luck in that regard.
Are you excited by Alvarez? Have your say in the comments section below.
Already on a booking, with Argentina winning 2-1 at the time, the Monaco player attempted to unsettle the City-bound forward as he was summoned from the bench to replace Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan.
It didn't have the desired effect, though, as Alvarez coolly brushed off the trip and Argentina held on for the win.
Perhaps an early indicator to Guardiola and City supporters that the striker will not be a player who reacts to the dark arts.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
