It will be Kevin De Bruyne’s night. Although, in some respects, it doesn’t really sound like his kind of occasion. De Bruyne has been Manchester City’s down-to-earth superstar, the footballer who does the school run. There will be a light show after his final game at the Etihad Stadium. When De Bruyne’s name has been up in lights, it has tended to be because of talent, rather than preference, due to the way he manipulates a ball rather than chases fame. He might not have chosen this, just as he didn’t choose to leave this year.
But a farewell involves a recognition, a celebration. Of a decade that has brought 19 trophies, 108 goals, 173 assists, moments that no one else could imagine, let alone produce. There will be a guard of honour from his teammates and a lap of appreciation, pyrotechnics and presents, some handed over by Marie and Jon Bell, the wife and son of Colin. Their late husband and father long had the status of City’s greatest player. Now that probably rests with De Bruyne.
