De Bruyne’s wife Michele steals show on City legend’s final Etihad appearance

KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele stole the show as he bid farewell to Manchester City.

Michele, 31, sent her husband an emotional message after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad.

The game marked De Bruyne’s final home appearance after a decade of trophy decadence.

And even manager Pep Guardiola shed tears as tributes were paid to De Bruyne, 33, by team-mates past and present in a post-match presentation.

The Belgian was joined on the field by his three children – Mason, nine, Rome, eight, and Suri, five.

And wife Michele also stayed by De Bruyne’s side during an emotional evening for all present.

But afterwards, she paid her own personal tribute to De Bruyne on Instagram.

Belgian Michele, who met her man in 2014, posted a touching photo showing her gazing into the eyes of her partner.

And she also gave a nod to City, where De Bruyne won six titles and the 2023 Champions League, in a heartwarming caption.

Michele, who married De Bruyne in 2017, wrote: “Forever home.”

Fans reacted with delight, with one saying: “Incredible story, incredible team.”

Another declared: “We will miss you, Royal Family.”

One noted: “What a family, we will miss you so much.”

Another added: “Beautiful, good luck to you and the family.”

Thoughts now inevitably turn to De Bruyne’s next club, with the veteran playmaker showing he’s got what it takes to cut it at the highest level.

He was thought to be attracting interest from several of City’s rivals.

But potential Serie A champions Napoli now look to be in pole position after De Bruyne reportedly ruled out remaining in England.

Speaking after his final game, the icon paid tribute to Manchester and insisted it will always be “home.”

De Bruyne said: “Manchester is home, Manchester is where these little kids were born.

“I came here with my wife, Michelle, to stay for a long time, I didn’t expect to be here ten years.

“To do what we’ve done as a club, supporters, teammates, we’ve won everything.”