Bridge spent almost six years as a team-mate of Terry at Chelsea

Three Manchester City players wore T-shirts with the words "Team Bridge" in support of Wayne Bridge during their victory over Portsmouth on Sunday.

Bridge's ex-girlfriend has been at the centre of a media storm after an alleged affair with the defender's former Chelsea team-mate John Terry.

Carlos Tevez, Stephen Ireland and Nigel de Jong were wearing the T-shirts.

"The players are very close to Wayne," said Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. "It was a nice gesture."

In a statement on Saturday, England international Bridge, 29, who missed the 2-0 win at Eastlands because of a knee injury, said he would not be commenting about the reports of the alleged affair.

"The reports deal with matters which are of a deeply personal and private nature," he said through his lawyers.

"My primary concern is the welfare of my son. Therefore, I intend to make no comment whatsoever either now or in the future about these reports and ask that my privacy is respected."

Mancini added: "He is a fantastic player and a good guy."

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