Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Kevin De Bruyne's participation in the match against Bournemouth
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Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City reacts during the Emirates FA Cup final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne gestures during the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
Pep Guardiola suggested that Kevin De Bruyne is more interested in Manchester City securing Champions League football for next season rather than starring in his final appearance at the Etihad.
Tuesday will be De Bruyne's farewell in a ground that he has dazzled for the last decade as the clock runs down on his contract and career at the club. The Belgian does not agree with the decision but was told last month that the club would not be offering him a new deal.
De Bruyne's final appearance is in danger of being upstaged by the wider club circumstances. Following results at the weekend, City need four points from their final two matches to qualify for the Champions League and face a Bournemouth team that have already beaten them this season.
There is also the aftermath of the FA Cup final to consider. Guardiola was unhappy before the final that the Blues did not have another day to rest before the Bournemouth game, and De Bruyne played the full match at Wembley that included 15 minutes of injury time.
Speaking ahead of the Bournemouth game, Guardiola would not guarantee that De Bruyne would start or even feature in the must-win game as City look to get the bulk of the points that they need.
"What Kevin wants is that we win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season," he said. "This is what Kevin wants - it couldn't be different. I'm going to decide the best for the best players to win the game against Bournemouth.
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"Kevin will get what he deserves and deserve what he deserves. That is the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.
"What he has done with other legends in the club, it would not have been possible since Sheikh Mansour took over the club to reach another level."
The club will honour De Bruyne after the final whistle with a special presentation, and will be hoping the crowd will have had plenty to cheer over the 90 minutes before they say a final home goodbye to one of their best ever players.
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