Kevin De Bruyne appeared in no mood to dissect Belgium's shock 1-0 Euro 2024 defeat against Slovakia on Monday after walking away from interviewers after the match.
The Manchester City star struggled to make his usual creative impact as Slovakia held onto their 7th minute goal and claim a famous victory against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
His club team-mate Jeremy Doku was at fault for the game's only goal after giving the ball away deep inside his own half with a poor pass that was pounced on by Slovakia's attackers.
Meanwhile, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku failed to make the most of goalscoring opportunities at the other end as he wasted three brilliant first-half chances.
De Bruyne and his colleagues cut dejected figures after the disappointing group loss that means they realistically need to beat both Romania and Ukraine to qualify for the competition's knockout stages.
The 32-year-old national team captain stopped in the mixed zone where press had gathered after the game and was answering questions before one journalist requested he provide a response to one question in English.
De Bruyne appeared to be unhappy with the suggestion and looked at the journalist briefly before raising his eyebrows and turning away.
The midfielder then decided to leave the press zone and walked away from reporters as he looked to board the team bus following his team's lacklustre performance.
His reaction was bizarre given that De Bruyne speaks brilliant English after spending the majority of his playing career in England at both Chelsea and Man City where he has become a fan-favourite.
A touching moment immediately after the match at the Frankfurt Arena saw De Bruyne spend time consoling his two children who were upset following Belgium's defeat.
Speaking to his kids in front of a stand packed with supporters, the Premier League star wrapped both arms around them and offered words of comfort.
Onesmuschialo
197
De Bruyne did the best thing by leaving the press. you can't struggle on the field and still struggle to speak English which is not your NATIONAL language. De Bruyne was representing BELGIUM not MAN CIty, journalists should stop confusing the two ππππ
nuhdemop
52
Great job! I start liking De Bruyne. English is not the only language and the games are in Germany πππππͺπͺ
Foubcirsu
38
Why aren't we asking FIFA baby Messi to speak English π€ Biased Press!
Fortikelvin
36
English football need to change their mentality towards games. football is not all about power. there is technicality in football. that's why most of the English players out of club levels are zero compared with players from other leagues.