Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne acknowledge fans after losing the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, right, celebrates scoring with teammate Jeremy Doku during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Friday May 2, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)
De Bruyne not guaranteed to start his final home game for Man City
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City great Kevin De Bruyne will make his Etihad Stadum farewell on Tuesday, though Pep Guardiola is not promising a start for the Belgium playmaker with Champions League qualification on the line.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne acknowledge fans after losing the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City great Kevin De Bruyne will make his Etihad Stadum farewell on Tuesday, though Pep Guardiola is not promising a start for the Belgium playmaker with Champions League qualification on the line.
The 33-year-old De Bruyne, who is at the end of the season after 10 years at the club, played the full match in the in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
With the Premier League home match against Bournemouth coming three days later, Guardiola has to balance sentiment with an assessment on De Bruyne’s fitness levels when it comes to whether he plays the midfielder in City’s final home game of the season.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Indeed, speaking at a news conference Monday, Guardiola wasn’t even prepared to say if De Bruyne — — will feature at least as a substitute.
“Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory and what he has done with the incredible other legends in this club,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola said he is purely thinking about fielding “the best players to win the game against Bournemouth.”
“What Kevin will want is that we win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season,” the manager added. “This is what Kevin wants, it could not be otherwise.”
City’s final league game is at Fulham on Sunday.
The defending champions’ unprecedented run of four straight league titles came to an end this season and they are now battling to just get into the Champions League.
City will start the game against Bournemouth in sixth place, a point behind third-place Newcastle, fourth-place Chelsea and fifth-place Aston Villa. Only the top five will secure a Champions League spot.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Given City’s goal difference, four points should be enough from its final two games to seal a top-five finish.
City has qualified for the Champions League every year since 2011-12.
“If we are not there, we don’t deserve it and we play the Europa League,” Guardiola said. “So it is what it is. But I’m thinking we’re going to qualify.”
Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines. pc28Star does not endorse these opinions.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation
FIRST UP
Get our free morning newsletter
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The pc28Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation