During the World Cup break, boss Pep Guardiola gave the club a major boost by putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension.

Kevin de Bruyne dressed up as Santa for the day Credit: Getty

De Bruyne and Cole Palmer met some of the kids while in the festive gear Credit: Getty

You would never have guessed a Man City star was underneath the beard Credit: Getty

The pair took their disguises off as the kids were left stunnedCredit: Getty

They could not believe they were given the chance to meet De Bruyne Credit: Getty

The shock on their faces said it all as the two City stars revealed themselvesCredit: Getty

Several of the kids hugged De Bruyne after he took off his beard Credit: Getty

Manchester City are offering the gift of football this Christmas, through community campaign, ‘A Time for Giving’.

The club has funded the equivalent of 76,000 hours of free football community sessions, to support young people in Manchester — raising more than £190,000.

Since early November, the club has been donating £5 to its charity, City in the Community, for every purchase from a range of selected Christmas items.

In addition, the club has matched extra donations made by fans and staff — to increase the overall funds for City in the Community football programmes up to the value of £75,000 in total.

Every £10 raised will enable a young person to enjoy four hours of football plus a healthy lunch in the school holidays in 2023 and beyond.

The club has also continued its annual support for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, through the donation of more than 400 festive gift bags.