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      Champions League final stadium engulfed in black smoke as huge fire breaks out in Istanbul hours before kick off

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      THE Champions League final was plunged into chaos hours before kick-off as black smoke engulfed Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium.Premier League and FA Cup winners Manchester City completed their historic Treble by beating Inter Milan 1-0 courtesy of Rodri’s 68th minute strike.
      Plumes of black smoke engulfed the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul ahead of the Champions League final
      The smoke was visible for miles
      The smoke came from a burning factor two miles away from the stadium
      Preparations for the biggest game in European football had been rocked as dark fumes billowed from a nearby burning building.
      Plumes of smoke soared over the stadium and could be seen for miles around.
      The smoke was so prominent that it was picked up in BT Sport’s pre-match coverage behind host Jake Humphrey and pundits Rio Ferdinand, Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Joleon Lescott.
      Footage of the fire started doing the rounds on social media.
      Clips showed a six-story building engulfed by black smoke as Turkish firefighters desperately tried to quell the raging flames.
      Footy fans were quick to comment after clips and images of the smoke went viral.
      One said: “I hope everything is ok…”
      And another said: “What is this black magic?”
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      The plumes of smoke were visible during BT Sport’s pre-match broadcastCredit: BT SPORT
      One remarked: “What’s going on here??”
      Another added: “Is it some kind of sign that we’re going to see an unusual game today?”
      One said: “That’s a serious fire hope there are no casualties.”
      The burning building – an industrial factory – is located just TWO MILES away from the Ataturk Stadium.
      Firefighters were said to have been on the scene for “two hours” trying to quell the flames.

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL – MAN CITY VS INTER MILAN LIVE: Keep up to date with all the action from Istanbul – TV and streaming info More

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      Mario Balotelli shares hilarious Champions League final prediction and reveals why he needs match to finish in 90 mins

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has revealed his hilarious Champions League final prediction.The Italian is in Istanbul to watch this evening’s clash between his old clubs Manchester City and Inter Milan.
      Mario Balotelli sat down with BT Sport ahead of the Champions League finalCredit: BT SPORT
      The Italian laughed as he delivered his predictionCredit: BT SPORT
      Prior to the game he sat down with presenter Josh Denzel and pundits Rio Ferdinand and Cesc Fabregas to discuss the big match.
      Asked for his prediction, Super Mario sat on the fence – but admitted he doesn’t fancy extra time or penalties.
      Not wanting to pick between his former teams, Balotelli said: “I hope one of the two wins.
      “But especially wins quickly – not extra time because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
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      Ferdinand then chipped in: “He’s got a party to go to.”
      Balotelli chuckled as he replied: “No, no.”
      Ferdinand, 44, offered up his own prediction – opting for a 2-0 City win.
      The duo hugged as they arrived in the studio, reuniting 11 years after a Manchester derby bust-up.
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      Rio Ferdinand and Balotelli clashed in the FA Cup 11 years agoCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Balotelli joined Inter in 2007, scoring 28 goals in 86 appearances for the San Siro club before an £18.5million move to Man City three years later.
      He netted 30 times in 80 appearances during a trio of topsy-turvy years at the Etihad under Roberto Mancini.
      Balotelli, now 32, won three Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and the Champions League during his time at Inter.
      While he added Premier League and FA Cup successes while at City.
      Since leaving City, Balotelli has played for AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza and Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
      He joined Swiss outfit FC Sion last year and has often captained them – scoring six goals in 18 league appearances.
      Balotelli, 32, signed for FC Sion last yearCredit: EPA More

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      Riyad Mahrez ‘offered stunning Man City transfer exit worth £40million a year’ just hours before Champions League final

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      RIYAD MAHREZ has reportedly been offered a stunning exit from Manchester City worth £40million a year – just hours before the Champions League final.Mahrez, 32, has two years remaining on his deal at the Etihad but has been linked with a move away from the Treble-chasers.
      Mahrez has been linked with a big money move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex
      Mahrez has enjoyed another successful season with Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 15 times and providing 13 assists.
      But the Algerian is set to miss out on the starting line up for the showpiece event with Guardiola preferring Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva down the flanks.
      And now Saudi suitors are attempting to lure Mahrez to the Middle East with a mega offer.
      According to ESPN, Al-Ahli are hopeful of securing the services of Mahrez this summer.
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      The report adds that the Saudi side have offered the winger a two-year contract worth £40m a season plus bonuses, with the option of a third year.
      Mahrez has become frustrated at a lack of playing time this season and is understood to be open to a move.
      However, it remains unclear if City would allow the player to leave and what fee they would be expecting.
      After the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi final in April, Guardiola admitted that Mahrez was frustrated at his lack of playing time.
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      He said: “He’s grumpy with me when he doesn’t play, all the time. He makes me notice when he’s grumpy.
      “He is an exceptional player, his playing is exceptional on the biggest stages and he has the mentality to score a goal.
      “The composure for the penalty was important, and the second and third were brilliant.
      “So satisfied for Riyad because he loves to play football, he’s given many, many things in these years and hopefully more in the future.”
      The situation is likely to be resolved after the Champions League final.
      If Mahrez were to join he would be following in the footsteps of several high profile stars who have joined the Saudi Pro League.
      Karim Benzema signed for Al Ittihad, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia while N’Golo Kante is set to become another high-profile addition to the league.
      Since joining City from Leicester in a deal worth close to £60m in 2018 Mahrez has established himself as an important member of Guardiola’s squad.
      Read more on The Sun
      During his five year spell at City, he has scored 78 goals in 236 appearances and scored a career-high 24 times last season.
      The former Leicester man has lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at the Etihad. More

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      Man City vs Inter Champions League final build-up LIVE: Haaland aims to fire Pep’s men to Treble glory – stream FREE

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      MANCHESTER CITY can become the first English side since 1999 to win the Treble tonight as they take on Inter Milan in a tasty Champions League final. City have been imperious so far in Europe’s elite competition, having knocked out Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final.
      Inter took out fierce rivals AC Milan in their semi-final, but City will be out to match the success their foes Manchester United achieved in 1999.

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      Follow all the action from Istanbul with our live blog below…
      Man City stats
      Manchester City haven’t lost a single Champions League game this season as they beat Sevilla twice as well as Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen in the group stage before eliminating RB Leipzig in the Last 16, Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
      City are looking to become the fourth English side to win the Champions League, after rivals Manchester United (1999 and 2008), Liverpool (2005 and 2019) and Chelsea (2012 and 2021).
      That would make England the most successful nation in the European competition’s illustrious history.
      The current total of three is the joint-most, along with Italy after AC Milan, Juventus and tonight’s opponents Inter Milan’s triumphs.
      Credit: PA
      Man City vs Inter Milan head-to-head
      This will be the first ever time Manchester City and Inter Milan lock horns across all competitions throughout their entire existence.
      City have only appeared in two previous major European finals, beating Gornik Zabrze 2-1 in the 1970 Cup Winners’ Cup Final before losing the 2021 Champions League Final 1-0 to fellow Premier League giants Chelsea.
      Inter, on the other hand, will be playing in their 11th major European final, which is the third-most of any Italian club behind Juventus (16) and rivals AC Milan (14).
      It is their first since losing 3-2 in the 2020 Europa League Final against Sevilla and only their second in the Champions League after winning 2-0 in 2010 against Bayern Munich.
      Credit: Rex
      Full team news
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is enjoying a relatively clean bill of health within his squad, although he did raise a minor issue regarding Kyle Walker.
      Guardiola claimed Walker is dealing with a small problem in his back, but the right-back has alleviated concerns regarding his fitness.
      Zack Steffen poses as the only absence for the Spanish tactician after recently undergoing knee surgery.
      Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, on the other hand, will be without Dalbert, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
      However, Inzaghi is set to for a major boost with three key players expected to be available for the final.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan suffered a thigh injury in the second leg of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League semi-final triumph over rivals AC Milan.
      But ex- United ace Mkhitaryan appears ready for the crunch clash against his former Premier League foes.
      Joaquin Correa picked up a calf issue against Fiorentina in the Serie A giants’ Coppa Italia Final success but could return to the bench.
      And finally, Federico Dimarco is expected to line up against Walker after missing the final league game against Torino due to a muscle issue.
      Credit: Reuters
      SunSport attend Fan Zone
      SunSport’s Toby Gannon has flown to Istanbul for the big Champions League Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
      Fans from around the world have joined all the fun ahead of the crunch clash at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
      SunSport paid a visit at the Fan Zone in Turkey and it seems like the famous city is turning rather blue…
      Check it out:
      Man City vs Inter Milan LIVE Champions League final build-up
      Balotelli makes his pick… sort of
      Mario Balotelli is in Istanbul for tonight’s huge Champions League final, but when asked to give his prediction, he came over a little indecisive.
      “I hope one of the two wins [laughter]… and especially quickly, not in extra-time or penalties because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
      Classic Mario.

      Final destination
      Istanbul will host the 2023 Champions League final.
      The huge fixture will be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and it boasts a seated capacity of approximately 75,000 supporters.
      One of the most iconic Champions League finals was played at this stadium which saw Liverpool pull off a sensational comeback against AC Milan before beating them on penalties.
      Credit: Reuters
      What has Pep had to say?
      It’s a huge night for Pep Guardiola. Plagued with the notion he can only win a Champions League with Lionel Messi in his side, tonight he gets his second crack at it without the Argentine wizard.
      “More than the fact for the treble is the fact to win the Champions League.
      “We won already the FA Cup, we won the Premier League.
      “Everybody knows it.
      “We have done incredible seasons – five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, Carabao Cups – but we have to win the Champions League to be recognised like the team deserves to be recognised.
      “We have to admit it, without the Champions League – it has been amazing, it has been fun – but we are missing (something). We have to do it.
      “We give more and more credit for what we have done these years, we have done many things.
      “But I said to the players ‘you have to put the pressure on yourself, to be recognised as something good you have to win Europe.’”
      Credit: Getty
      How can I watch for FREE?
      Man City vs Inter Milan will be shown on BT Sport 1 HD in the UK.
      But the game game will also be shown for FREE on BT Sport’s YouTube channel.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport or YouTube app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The big one
      Form goes out the window when it comes to finals.
      And both teams will leave it all out of the field to lift this beautiful prize…
      Credit: Getty
      What’s the form like?
      Man City last five games

      Man City 2 Man Utd 1 – FA Cup final
      Brentford 1 Man City 0
      Brighton 1 Man City 1
      Man City 1 Chelsea 0
      Man City 4 Real Madrid 0 (agg 5-1) – Champions League semi-final second leg

      Inter Milan last five games

      Torino 0 Inter Milan 1
      Inter Milan 3 Atalanta 2
      Fiorentina 1 Inter Milan 2 – Coppa Italia final
      Napoli 3 Inter Milan 1
      Inter Milan 1 AC Milan 0 (agg 3-0) – Champions League semi-final second leg

      Dedicated Dzeko
      Former Man City hero Edin Dzeko will look to show his old club what they’re missing as he lines up for Inter at the age of 37.
      And he will be capably partnered by Argentina World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez, who is constantly jostling for a position in his national team with Man City fringe man Julian Alvarez.
      With Dzeko not expected to last the full match, City are also set to have to contend with former Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku.

      Eager Erling
      You could name any of the players in the Manchester City team as potential stars.
      The likes of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are all capable of winning a game in a split second.
      However, it is difficult to look beyond Erling Haaland after a stunning season which saw him smash Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record.

      What is the team news?
      Man City have no injury worries ahead of this game.
      Ederson will be almost certain to replace Stefan Ortega after the Brazilian’s understudy was chosen between the sticks for the FA Cup final.
      Elsewhere, Guardiola may well name the same ten outfield players the dominated their Wembley win over rivals United.
      Left-back Dalbert is a long-term absentee for Inter with a cruciate ligament injury.
      Former Man Utd ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a doubt for the match, as is Joaquin Correa.
      Should Mikhitaryan not play, Inzaghi will have both Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Gagliardini as options in midfield.
      Good afternoon from Istanbul
      Welcome to SunSport’s live blog coverage of the Champions League Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Kostas here, and I will be bringing you all the live action from Turkey.
      City recently completed the Double after beating rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, shortly after clinching the Premier League title.
      Now the Citizens are looking to add to their local rivals’ misery by emulating their historic Treble triumph from 1999.
      Manager Pep Guardiola is enjoying a relatively clean bill of health within his squad, although he did raise a minor issue regarding Kyle Walker.
      Guardiola claimed Walker is dealing with a small problem in his back, but the right-back has alleviated concerns regarding his fitness.
      Zack Steffen poses as the only absence for the Spanish tactician after recently undergoing knee surgery.
      Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, on the other hand, will be without Dalbert, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
      However, Inzaghi is set to for a major boost with three key players expected to be available for the final.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan suffered a thigh injury in the second leg of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League semi-final triumph over rivals AC Milan.
      But ex- United ace Mkhitaryan appears ready for the crunch clash against his former Premier League foes.
      Joaquin Correa picked up a calf issue against Fiorentina in the Serie A giants’ Coppa Italia Final success but could return to the bench.
      And finally, Federico Dimarco is expected to line up against Walker after missing the final league game against Torino due to a muscle issue.
      Credit: Reuters
      Welcome to the Champions League final
      Manchester City are closing in on an historic treble which only noisy neighbours United have accomplished – and it could happen tonight in Istanbul against Inter Milan.
      Pep Guardiola’s men have been imperious so far in Europe’s elite competition, having knocked out German champions Bayern Munich and serial Champions League winners Real Madrid en route to the final.
      But City have never won this competition before, and in past years have been known to inexplicably throw away golden opportunities of doing so.
      Two years ago, they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the final and last year they lost in the semis to Real Madrid after conceding two stoppage time goals.
      So Inter will feel well placed to take advantage of any jitters City may have.
      Simone Inzaghi’s men defied all odds to qualify from a Champions League group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
      And they were at their most impressive as they comfortably beat rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate.
      It really is one for the history books but which team will be leaving with history that they want to remember?
      Make sure to stay tuned in to our live blog as we’ll be bringing you exclusives, breaking news and the starting line ups all before kick-off at 8pm BST.
      Load more entries… More

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      Man City owner Sheikh Mansour to attend only his SECOND EVER match of 15-year reign for Champions League final

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      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed owner Sheikh Mansour will attend tonight’s Champions League final.The Abu Dhabi royal has attended only one match since taking over the club back in September 2008.
      Sheik Mansour will be at the Champions League finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      That was a 3-0 win over Liverpool at the Etihad almost 13 years ago.
      But he has made the journey to Istanbul for the clash with Inter at the Ataturk Stadium.
      And he will hope to see Pep Guardiola’s team finally end their long wait to be crowned kings of Europe.
      The Sheikh has bankrolled City’s incredible rise, which has seen them lift seven Prem titles and nine domestic cups since the takeover.
      READ MORE ON MAN CITY
      City – who were beaten in the final by Chelsea two years ago – are hot favourites to beat the Italian side.
      Meanwhile, Guardiola has urged his side to be “patient” in the final and to make sure the players keep their winning mentality.
      Speaking in a press conference in Turkey, he said: “We have to be patient.
      “The most important thing in this type of game is thinking we are 0-0 and thinking we are losing.
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      “Italian teams are 0-0 and think they are winning.
      “They are not winning it is 0-0. We have to be stable and get rhythm and be stable.
      “In bad moments, we need to step forward.
      “It will happen. 1-0 down or 1-0 up so in both circumstances be stable.” More

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      Jack Grealish ‘needs an immediate pay cut’ after revealing his favourite pre-match meal before Champions League final

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      JACK GREALISH has revealed that his favourite pre-match meal is beans on toast.The Manchester City star and his team-mates were asked what their favourite meal was before taking to the field, with varying answers.

      Jack Grealish was asked his favourite pre-match mealCredit: Instagram @mancity
      To which he said ‘beans on toast’Credit: Instagram @mancity
      The likes of Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips claimed their preference was to have pesto pasta.
      Julian Alvarez opted for some pasta with chicken and Kyle Walker chose spaghetti bolognese.
      Ruban Dias was specific with his answer as he admitted his favourite was to have Riyad Mahrez’s pasta.
      While backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega seemed to be the wild card by picking rice pudding, Grealish stunned with his reply.
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      He said: “I eat anything really.
      “But recently I have been having beans on toast, a bit English.”
      Fans couldn’t believe that the City star opted for the English classic.
      One commented: “Grealish is the definition of a normal English bloke living the football dream 😂 ‘beans on toast’.”
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      A second wrote: “Jack Grealish is the most English man I’ve ever seen.”
      A third said: “Not Grealish with the beans on toast 😂.”
      A fourth added: “It’s sometimes hard to tell where Jack ends and Jamie Tartt [Ted Lasso] begins 🤣.”
      Another joked: “Grealish deserves a pay cut for that insane answer.”

      The players will sit down and have their meals today ahead of the Champions League final in Istanbul.
      The Citizens are in their second European final in three years and are looking to get their hands on the trophy that alluded them two years ago as they lost to Chelsea.
      Pep Guaridola’s side face Italian giants Inter Milan and if they are successful, will write their names in history with a treble win having already won the Premier League and FA Cup. More

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      Erling Haaland’s bromance with Jack Grealish takes new twist as City goal machine teases pal over settling into team

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      ERLING HAALAND couldn’t resist taking a playful dig at Manchester CIty pal Jack Grealish after his record-breaking season.Haaland, 22, has adapted to life at City seamlessly – breaking records and winning multiple individual awards having scored 52 goals in all competitions.
      The pair have struck up an unlikely friendship following Haaland’s arrival last summerCredit: Getty
      The duo are one game away from winning the treble with Manchester CityCredit: Getty

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL – MAN CITY VS INTER MILAN LIVE: Keep up to date with all the action from Istanbul – TV and streaming info
      But, for Grealish it took a little longer to settle following his £100million move from Aston Villa two years ago.
      The pair have struck up an unlikely friendship and live on the same floor in an apartment complex in Manchester.
      The Norwegian was asked if he was surprised that he had settled into life at City so quickly and he couldn’t resist a swipe at Grealish with his answer.
      Haaland said: “I told Jack sometimes players need maybe a year or something to come into the new league, new team and everything.
      READ MORE ON MAN CITY
      “And, sometimes players come directly in and perform, I told him this. So, yeah, there was one game, the Community Shield, I missed a couple of big chances.
      “It can happen, it will happen again. What can you do? Nothing. We have to focus on the next thing, the next game and that’s what I did. I scored two goals in the next game, so it was still not a bad start.”
      Despite all the records he has broken this season Haaland heads into Saturday night’s Champions League final with only one goal in his last seven games.
      Although, he was quick to defend himself, saying: “You can think of it as one goal in seven games or 52 goals in 52 games and eight assists, I think.
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      “You can think of it in both ways. I’m not stressed. I feel really good. I didn’t expect to score this many goals but, again, I could have scored more.
      “I’ve been missing a lot of chances, so I could have scored more, that’s the truth.”
      Haaland and Grealish are one game away from completing an historic Treble with City, and matching the achievement of rivals Manchester United back in 1999.
      The pair will likely both play a key role as City look to win the Champions League for the first time in their history against Inter Milan in Istanbul. More

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      Inter Milan boss reveals ‘special plan’ to stop Erling Haaland as Kevin de Bruyne makes choice between ace and his WIFE

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      INTER MILAN boss Simone Inzaghi has a special plan to stop Erling Haaland.But he says his underdogs must also find a way to subdue the rest of the Manchester City team, which he rates as the best in the world.
      Simone Inzaghi has revealed a special plan to stop Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
      KDB and Haaland have something special going on

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL – MAN CITY VS INTER MILAN: All you need to know including kick-off time and TV details
      The Inter chief said: “We know how strong Manchester City is and what a player Haaland is.
      “We will have a special eye on him. We have prepared something but it will be all of Inter, the whole team, that will have to defend, trying to limit not only Haaland but the whole of Manchester City.
      “They are probably the best team in the world.  We must make no mistakes.”
      Inter are seeking to be crowned European champs for the fourth time, 13 years after Jose Mourinho steered them to a victory over Bayern Munich to claim a historic Treble.
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      Inzaghi said: “I’m lucky to have players who know how to play these games.
      “We know it’s a huge opportunity to write a page of Inter history.”
      Meanwhile Kevin de Bruyne has admited to having an instant chemistry with Haaland — but would not swap his wife Michele for the Norwegian.
      Though Kevin De Bruyne has admitted he would still not swap his wife for HaalandCredit: Getty
      The Belgian superstar has linked up brilliantly with the 52-goal forward since he set foot in the Etihad last July.
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      Asked if it was love at first sight for him, ex-Chelsea man KDB said: “No. No, I’m happy with my wife.”
      De Bruyne, 31, married Michele Lacroix in 2017 and the couple have three children together.
      But he did acknowledge that he seemed to click straight away with the former Borussia Dortmund forward, 22.
      He said: “It’s something that I can’t really explain, you just have a feeling with a player.
      “You understand what he wants, he understands what I can do. He started scoring at an incredible rate, it helped him settle.
      “Even in the last games he’s been really important for us in different ways.” More