De Bruyne seeks fitting Man City farewell in FA Cup final

A giant mural of De Bruyne alongside his trophy haul as a City player was unveiled in Manchester city center on Thursday. (AFP)
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  • He has expressed his 鈥渟urprise鈥� that City did not seek to extend his stay, filled with the belief that he can still perform at the high

MANCHESTER: Kevin De Bruyne can add another honor to his haul as Manchester City鈥檚 most decorated player of all time with a fitting farewell in Saturday鈥檚 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
The Belgian鈥檚 trophy-littered decade in Manchester will come to an end at the conclusion of the Premier League season.
But Wembley鈥檚 showpiece is the 33-year-old鈥檚 final chance to lift silverware at the club where he grew into one of world鈥檚 best players.
A six-time Premier League winner, De Bruyne could add a third FA Cup to his five League Cups and 2023 Champions League win with City.
He has expressed his 鈥渟urprise鈥� that City did not seek to extend his stay, filled with the belief that he can still perform at the highest level.
De Bruyne rolled back the years when City rallied from 2-0 down to thrash Palace 5-2 just last month with a goal and an assist.
City will be hoping for more of the same to give him a fitting farewell and save some face from a season to forget for Pep Guardiola鈥檚 men.
After an unprecedented run of four consecutive Premier League titles, City are 18 points adrift of champions Liverpool and embroiled in a battle just to finish in the top five to secure a place in next season鈥檚 Champions League.
De Bruyne鈥檚 decline has played a factor in City鈥檚 downturn.
Of his 108 goals and 177 assists for the club in 419 appearances, only six and eight respectively have come this season.

However, he remains 鈥渋rreplaceable鈥� due to his impact in City鈥檚 rise to being the dominant force in English football, according to the club鈥檚 prolific striker Erling Haaland.
鈥淭o get the balls from him is a dream,鈥� said Haaland. 鈥淚t has been really special playing with him. Such a joy, and I am going to do everything I can to have this joy in the last few games.
鈥淭he future will be different with different players. When Kevin leaves we will need someone to replace him, although Kevin is irreplaceable in so many ways.鈥�
Guardiola has appeared almost apologetic for overlooking De Bruyne at times this season as he searched for solutions to fill the gaps in City鈥檚 aging midfield.
鈥淭he gratitude I have, we have, is huge,鈥� said Guardiola.
鈥淜evin is the player in the history of the club with the most titles and that defines what Kevin has done with us.鈥�
A giant mural of De Bruyne alongside his trophy haul as a City player was unveiled in Manchester city center on Thursday.
Guardiola has suggested a statue outside the club鈥檚 Etihad Stadium is also just a matter of time.
But after a decade most characterised by a relentless thirst to keep on winning, the most fitting tribute would be for De Bruyne to go out with another medal around his neck.
鈥淭he whole team only has one thought and that鈥檚 to try and get the trophy and to make the day special for Kevin,鈥� said City midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
鈥淔or what he鈥檚 done, he deserves to leave like a champion which he obviously is.
鈥淗e is a massive figure in City鈥檚 success, and he will be remembered as one of the best.鈥�