Chelsea's forward Cole Palmer has been a revelation this season, leaving Pep Guardiola to ponder what might have been as his former player's brilliance shines on.
Palmer, 21, has been on fire since his surprising move from Manchester City in September, showcasing his prowess with a remarkable four-goal performance against Everton, earning him the nickname 'Cold Palmer' for his ice-cool penalty.
His lethal finishing and creative flair have propelled him to the top of Chelsea's ranks, with nine Premier League assists and 23 goals across all competitions, matching the likes of Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.
At City, Palmer faced tough competition for a first-team spot, but his decision to seek regular football at Chelsea has paid off handsomely, becoming the linchpin of Mauricio Pochettino's side.
As Chelsea eyes their first domestic silverware since 2018, Palmer's contributions loom large, reminding Guardiola of the talent he let slip away with a contentious decision.
With injuries plaguing City's attack, Palmer's absence has been felt keenly, especially considering his knack for decisive moments like the last-gasp penalty that denied City two crucial points earlier in the season.
Despite missing recent England fixtures due to injury, Palmer's stellar form has put him firmly in contention for a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for the upcoming European Championship, further adding to Guardiola's rueful reflections.
As Saturday's FA Cup semi-final looms, Palmer's reunion with Guardiola serves as a stark reminder of what might have been, leaving the City manager with nothing but regrets as his former protege continues to flourish elsewhere.
