How Did Man City Say Goodbye to De Bruyne with a Win?
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Synopsis
Kevin De Bruyne's emotional farewell from Manchester City culminated in a triumphant victory over Bournemouth, drawing the team closer to Champions League qualification. This moment marked the end of a decade-long journey, filled with unforgettable achievements and accolades. Discover how the club and fans celebrated a legend's departure.
Key Takeaways
- De Bruyne concluded his 10-year tenure at Manchester City.
- City's victory over Bournemouth brought them closer to Champions League qualification.
- Fans and teammates celebrated De Bruyne's legacy with emotional tributes.
- He won six Premier League titles and was a two-time Player of the Season.
- De Bruyne's contributions to the club will be remembered for years to come.
Manchester, May 21 (NationPress) Kevin De Bruyne bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium in a memorable fashion, leading his team to victory over Bournemouth, bringing them closer to Champions League qualification.
Emotional scenes unfolded as De Bruyne wrapped up his remarkable 10-year journey with Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Goals by Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, and Nico secured a 3-1 triumph, with Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison netting a consolation goal during stoppage time.
This crucial victory provided City with three vital points, inching them closer to UEFA Champions League participation for the 15th consecutive season.
Though De Bruyne couldn't add to his impressive tally of 72 goals in the Premier League, he played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s squad edge closer to Champions League qualification.
After leaving the field early due to a tactical adjustment following a red card to teammate Mateo Kovacic, De Bruyne was met with a heartfelt ovation from the fans and embraces from manager Pep Guardiola.
Upon returning to the pitch for a special presentation, players, staff, management, and supporters came together to honor one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, as reported by Premier League.
Accompanied by his partner Michele and their three children, De Bruyne received a guard of honour from his teammates and watched a montage on the big screen while the home crowd chanted his name.
Struggling to hold back tears, he addressed the audience, stating, "This is very emotional. Manchester is home; it's where my kids were born. I never expected to be here for a decade. We've won everything and elevated the City and the Club.”
He continued, "This team aims to entertain and win. They work incredibly hard, and they will continue to succeed with or without me."
City manager Guardiola expressed the significance of the day, saying, “The emotions shared among him, his family, and our fans were palpable. It’s a sad day, and he will be greatly missed. His contributions were crucial for this victory.”
Over his ten years in Manchester, in addition to his six Premier League titles, the 33-year-old De Bruyne was honored as Premier League Player of the Season twice, in 2019/20 and 2021/22, and claimed the Playmaker award for most assists in a season three times: in 2017/18, 2019/20, and 2022/23.
His 20 assists in the 2019/20 season tie the record for most assists in a season, a record he shares with Thierry Henry.
Point of View
I highlight the profound impact of Kevin De Bruyne's departure from Manchester City. His decade-long tenure has not only transformed the club but also set benchmarks in the Premier League. The emotional farewell reflects the bond he forged with fans and teammates, showcasing the essence of sportsmanship and legacy.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kevin De Bruyne say during his farewell?
He expressed deep emotions, stating, 'Manchester is home; it's where my kids were born.' He mentioned achieving everything and elevating the club.
How many Premier League titles did De Bruyne win?
Kevin De Bruyne won six Premier League titles during his time at Manchester City.
What were De Bruyne's notable awards?
He was named Premier League Player of the Season twice and won the Playmaker award three times for most assists.
How did the fans and teammates honor De Bruyne?
Fans chanted his name, and teammates gave him a guard of honour, culminating in a special presentation at the pitch.
What was the final score of the match against Bournemouth?
The final score was 3-1 in favor of Manchester City.
