Tuesday night was a big one in the season of Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side had a job to do against a tough Bournemouth team, and City passed the test with flying colours as a stunning Omar Marmoush goal helped the Manchester club to a 3-1 win and remain in control of their destiny heading into the final weekend of the Premier League season.
The tricky part for Man City was not to fall victim to the celebrations around the event, as the contest was the last time fans of the Manchester club would get to see their hero, Kevin De Bruyne, in action.
However, things would work out perfectly for City as they secured the win, played well, got to say farewell to De Bruyne, and even saw the return of Rodri after being out for months with a knee injury.
Although one moment left ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf screaming at his TV during the first half of the match at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
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Frank Leboeuf screamed when Kevin De Bruyne missed an open goal
Man City fans thanked De Bruyne for his years of service on Tuesday night, as it was all about the Belgian once Guardiola’s men had the match won.
The only thing that would have made the night better was if the 33-year-old had found the back of the net, and he came so close in the first half as the midfielder hit the crossbar with an open goal in front of him, which left Leboeuf screaming at his TV.
“Yeah, it’s nice to see that the players have been professional enough to finish the job, and they needed to get the three points in order to get into the Champions League next season,” Leboeuf said on ESPN FC about Man City’s win.
“They were spot on. They did what they had to do, and I didn’t find them quite sad after losing the FA Cup.
“They know how important the three points were today, and did the job. And for Kevin De Bruyne, what a nice tribute. I mean, it would have been absolutely nice (had he scored).
“I screamed when I saw him almost scoring, and I saw the shot that he made with his shin and not with his foot, and I was so disappointed, because it would have been perfect to finish with the goal.”
De Bruyne would love to have that moment back and admitted after the match that there was no excuse for missing the opportunity.
It now remains to be seen where the midfielder goes next, as the Chicago Fire are the frontrunners for De Bruyne’s signature, although the Belgian continues to leave the door open to staying in the Premier League.
Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Frank Leboeuf on Kevin De Bruyne’s ability to continue in the Premier League
It was recently reported that Liverpool were interested in De Bruyne this summer, but it was shut down quickly, as the 33-year-old has not ruled out staying in England.
Ben Foster thinks De Bruyne is now too slow for the Premier League, and Leboeuf is another former player who can see the Belgian struggling next season, should he remain in England.
“You know, we saw him throughout the season struggling and hardly being consistent. That’s quite normal at this age and the Premier League is so demanding that it’s hard to keep on being at the level that he has been,” the ESPN pundit said about the Man City legend.
“I doubt that he can have a full season if he finds a club (in the Premier League), he can find a club where he can play maybe, you know, sometimes being on the bench and come on and sometimes play and get out and that he finds a coach who understands what De Bruyne can offer to him, that can be possible, but otherwise I have doubts, maybe he can go to another football, maybe in Italy, maybe even in Spain.”
MLS remains the likely destination for De Bruyne and his family, as it is very hard to see the 33-year-old wearing another Premier League jersey after all he has achieved with Man City.