De Bruyne Bids Farewell to Etihad with Victory and Emotion
Manchester City celebrated Kevin De Bruyne’s last appearance at the Etihad Stadium with a resounding victory over Bournemouth. The match, which ended with a score of 3-1, consolidated the team in third position in the Premier League.
De Bruyne, the team captain, described his last home match as “strange”, recalling the 16 trophies he has won since his arrival in 2015, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
“It feels a bit strange. It’s been an incredible journey,” De Bruyne stated after the match. “I want to bring joy to people, play attacking, creative football, that’s what I am on the field and I want to have fun. It was a pleasure to work very hard and create something for this club. I am super proud.”
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite not scoring a goal in his farewell match, De Bruyne was cheered by the fans and his teammates, who gave him a moving tribute. The club announced that it will erect a statue in his honor outside the stadium.
The Belgian midfielder, considered one of the best in the league, admitted to feeling “a little surprised” at not receiving a renewal offer from City, although he expressed his desire to continue playing in the Premier League.
Manchester City players lift captain Kevin De Bruyne in the air after his last home game for the club.
City fans expressed their affection by displaying a giant banner with the message “King Kev” and exhibiting numerous jerseys with the number 17.
The match was crucial for City, who added 68 points, placing them two points above their rivals in the fight for a place in the top five and qualification for the Champions League.
The match was marked by the expulsions of Mateo Kovacic from City and Lewis Cook from Bournemouth, leaving both teams with ten players.
Marmoush opened the scoring with a great goal from outside the area, followed by Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez, who extended City’s lead. Daniel Jebbison scored Bournemouth’s goal in the final minutes of the match.
Bournemouth’s coach, Andoni Iraola, lamented City’s opening goal, highlighting the intensity of the opposing team from the start.
Rodri, after eight months of absence due to injury, returned to the field as a substitute, receiving a warm ovation.
