By MATT BARLOW, FOOTBALL WRITER
Published: 17:47 EST, 7 January 2026 | Updated: 17:47 EST, 7 January 2026
Antoine Semenyo deserved his fairytale ending before he signs for Manchester City according to Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
'It's not easy to do what he has done,' said Iraola. 'Most players would have acted differently.
'He never found excuses. He was ready to give what we needed. We could keep him until the last second and it is fair that he leaves with the feeling he has at the end.
'With the reception of the supporters, and all this. I am very happy for him.'
Semenyo will leave for Manchester City, who have triggered a clause in his contract that he can leave for £65million before January 10.
Virtually his last kick of the ball after two years in Bournemouth colours was a goal in the 95th minute to clinch a 3-2 win against Spurs on his 26th birthday and ended a run of 11 games without a win for the Cherries.
Andoni Iraola (right) said Antoine Semenyo (left) deserved his fairytale Bournemouth ending
Semenyo scored with virtually his last kick for the Cherries ahead of moving to Man City
Iraola said there were merely 'formalities' to complete before he joins City.
'I am very happy for him personally because he deserves it,' added Iraola. 'A moment he will never forget.
'But it's true a big miss, a player you cannot replace. He is an incredible player.
'I don't know how they will use him but he is a player improving every season with us and even before, in the lower divisions, stepping up and he is ready to do it again.'