Bruges had a buzz about it over the last day or so, the restaurants and cafes full of locals desperate to discuss Kevin De Bruyne. Some even desperate to pass well wishes onto him, presuming anyone over from Manchester had the guy on speed dial.
De Bruyne was born almost an hour away in Gent. There is no obvious connection between him and Club Bruges but regardless, this was a homecoming. The boy done good, back playing a first club match in Belgium since leaving for the Premier League riches all those years ago.
This place was so hospitable that even Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, the tune Manchester City's supporters use to serenade their talisman, soundtracked his warm-up.