Calmness personified on the pitch, but Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas appeared rather sheepish as he presented the Brit Award for Best International Group with X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger at the o2 Arena on Wednesday night.
The midfielder, who used to play in London for Arsenal, was introduced by the excitable Scherzinger as someone who "had some fun last night," in reference to Barca's comprehensive 2-0 victory over Manchester City in their Champions League last-16 first-leg contest at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
With team-mate Lionel Messi and his garish red suit seemingly unavailable for the evening, the Brit Awards' organisers brought in Fabregas, who, facing a crowd of industry bods and pop bands, somehow found the need to apologise for Barca's win 200 miles away the previous night, proud City fan Noel Gallagher was probably giving him the evil eye.
Watch the video of the Fabregas at the Brits below
"I'm sorry about last night. I come in peace!" Fabregas pleaded.
Scherzinger then drawled: "He's not shy at all"
The award was won by robotic dance duo Daft Punk, but collected by disco legend Nile Rodgers who collaborated with the pair on three tracks on their album Random Access Memories, including the inescapable single Get Lucky.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies