Kevin De Bruyne waves Etihad goodbye with classy message on Man City farewell

MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 BOURNEMOUTH: A wonder strike from Omar Marmoush and goals from Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez ensured victory that puts City on the brink of Champions League qualification

Kevin De Bruyne was given an emotional Etihad send-off as Manchester City moved to within touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League.

De Bruyne, 33, captained Pep Guardiola’s men to a victory that lifted the Blues into third place – and a point at Fulham on Sunday will guarantee their place amongst Europe’s elite. The Belgian international has been devastated by City’s decision not to offer him a new contract after a trophy-laden decade in Manchester.

City’s fans unveiled a giant banner before kick-off hailing De Bruyne as ‘King Kev.’ He was given a standing ovation that even included Bournemouth’s travelling supporters when he was substituted in the 69th minute. De Bruyne said: “I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, be creative and have fun.

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“I think we had a lot of fun in these 10 years, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I think we created something incredible to make this club better than where it was before.”

De Bruyne, who should have marked the occasion with a goal only to sweep a close-range shot against the crossbar, added: “It was terrible, terrible! There are no excuses. My son is going to be very hard on me today. I think life and a career is a journey, with ups and some downs, and you have to get through every moment and enjoy it.”

Man City (4-3-1-2): Ederson 6; Nunes 6, Akanji 7, Dias 6, Gvardiol 5; Silva 7, Kovacic 5, Gundogan 7; De Bruyne 7 (Nico, 69, 6); Haaland 6, Marmoush 7.

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga 6; Araujo 5 (Smith 69, 5), Zabarnyi 6, Huijsen 6, Kerkez 6; Cook 5, Adams 5; Semenyo 5, Kluivert 5 (Brooks 46, 6); Tavernier 6; Evanilson 6.

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