Kevin De Bruyne played his final game as a Manchester City player as the visitors won 2-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Pep Guardiola decided not to start the Belgian maestro, keeping in mind that he played from the off against AFC Bournemouth.
With De Bruyne set to join Napoli, the midfield maestro may have been on board with the decision as he would not have liked to pick up an untimely injury.
Fortunately for the 33-year-old, goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland meant Manchester City got over the line and secured third place in the Premier League as they have qualified for the Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne came on as a late substitute, took a few touches of the ball and bowed out of his time at City in style.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Fulham fans applauded Kevin De Bruyne vs Man City
For much of the contest, the Manchester City fans were heard singing De Bruyne’s name as they were desperate to see him come on the pitch.
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However, Pep Guardiola kept them waiting as perhaps his rationale may also have been to introduce the six-time Premier League winner into a situation where he feels at ease, as he brought him on after City went 2-0 up.
When De Bruyne was brought on to play his last and final game for Manchester City against Fulham, the home fans applauded the decorated midfielder.
Everton fans applauded De Bruyne as well recently, which goes to show how much respect he commands.
What Man City fans did for De Bruyne after win against Fulham
De Bruyne discussed Everton fans’ clapping him off” and described the gesture as “weird” as it is rather uncommon in football: “Yeah, probably, I think I had it at Everton, they were all clapping me, it was a bit weird because you don’t expect it.”
“People maybe appreciate the way I play. I’m a no-nonsense player, straight to the point. People sometimes don’t like what I say, but they appreciate it because I speak what I think.”
After Manchester City’s victory against Fulham, the visiting fans chanted De Bruyne’s name and expressed their love for the great man.
De Bruyne waved to the Manchester City fans for their years of love and support for him.
It’s safe to say that the City icon will be sorely missed by the fans.
But all good things come to an end and it is time for De Bruyne to open the next chapter in his phenomenal career.