Ruben Dias has been on the receiving end of some jokes from his international teammates after linking up with Portugal this week.
Manchester City signed off on a sensational start to 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea.
Fellow Portuguese Bernardo Silva scored the two goals, with a helping hand from two fortunate deflections, as Pep Guardiola’s side took another step towards claiming an unprecedented back-to-back treble.
Now the majority of City’s jet-setting squad have travelled around the globe to link up with their national teams for the first international break of 2024.
Ruben Dias, along with Silva and Matheus Nunes, are in the Portugal squad for friendlies against Sweden and Slovenia in preparation for Euro 2024.
They joined their teammates on Monday and Dias has since been trolled for something he posted on Instagram.
Ruben Dias trolled by Portgual teammates
Ruben Dias posted a collection of photographs of himself at Portugal training late on Monday night.
There was a picture of him laughing on an exercise bike and playing an intense game of head tennis against Pepe.
But it was the first picture that saw Dias get some ribbing from his teammates, as it showed him arriving at the Portugal camp wearing light brown dungarees over a black t-shirt.
Barcelona forward Joao Felix was the first to poke fun at Dias by commenting: “Well you try!”
Felix then added: “Tomorrow at 11 for garden fix.” accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji.
Striker Andre Silva also chimed in by writing: “Spectacular! Lend me your hammer and pliers.”
Come back unscathed
The international break has its benefits and its downsides.
The time off from domestic action will give Guardiola’s side a much-needed breather after an intense start to 2024, though it does risk upsetting their fantastic momentum.
It also means City’s injured duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson won’t miss any important games for the next two weeks as they work to return to full fitness, with Jack Grealish also training to get back to his best.
The Blues boss will now just be keeping everything crossed that all his players return from the international break unscathed.
With a pivotal match in the Premier League title race against Arsenal first up after the break, any more injury blows could be costly.
