Joe Hart was full of smiles during what could be his last appearance for Manchester City.
The England goalkeeper started the dead rubber against Steaua Bucuresti on Wednesday night. City won the first-leg of the Champions League qualifier 5-0 and Hart was barely tested during the return leg.
Hart exerted more energy during his lap of honour at the end of the game than he did all the way through the 1-0 win.
However, the reality of his predicament at City was laid bare on Thursday afternoon, as the club signed Claudio Bravo, and a potential exit route was cut-off.
It's that time again!
Let's all #WelcomeClaudio to Manchester City!
➡️ https://t.co/0u4QqLUsYT pic.twitter.com/oDlo6UwC6V
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 25, 2016
Bravo has joined from Barcelona on a four-year deal; the 33-year-old cost around £17 million and will be City’s first-choice ‘keeper this season. The Chilean’s arrival means Hart is now effectively third-choice for City.
Pep Guardiola has made it clear that the England ‘keeper isn’t in his plans, and so has Ronald Koeman.
The Everton manager was asked on Thursday afternoon if the club would be making a move for the out-of-favour Hart, and replied:
“No, there is no interest in Joe Hart.”
Koeman was asked again if he was interested in Hart, and replied:
“No. No.”
And asked again:
“There is no interest. We have a game at Stoke on Saturday and that is more important than all the rumours. I need to prepare the team for Saturday.”
So that’s a no. Sorry Joe.
