Kevin De Bruyne misses ‘terrible’ sitter in final Manchester City home game: ‘No excuses!’

Tuesday evening’s game against Bournemouth marked the City legend’s final home game for the club, after making 420 appearances.

Unfortunately, the 33-year-old was unable to celebrate a goal on his final home game, but he did have his chance.

The six-time Premier League winner had the goal at his mercy from just a matter of yards away but failed to convert, seeing his effort crash off the crossbar.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, De Bruyne described his miss: “Terrible! I said I have to be there, it’s going to come. It’s terrible, terrible! There’s no excuses.”

The Belgian reflected on his time in the blue half of Manchester: ”It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years I’ve had, everything that’s happened, its been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pleasure.

“I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football. I want to have fun, we had a lot of fun in these 10 years. It was a joy, working really hard, I’m super proud.”

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De Bruyne said goodbye to the adoring fans after the game, as he walked onto the pitch alongside his three children and wife, Michele Lacroix, to a full Etihad stadium serenading the midfielder, who was visibly emotional.

It wasn’t just De Bruyne, but boss Pep Guardiola also showed his emotions while watching a compilation of former players congratulate the Belgian.

“We have won everything. We made the city, the club bigger,” De Bruyne said to his fans.

“I wanted to play with creativity, with passion, to enjoy football. I think and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”

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“Together, we have built a big future for you [the fans]. I know it has been a tough year for us, but this team deserves all the support from you, they will be back next year fighting for the titles.”

The club also confirmed a statue would be erected outside the stadium in honour of one of their greatest ever players.

During the game, there was a passing of the mantle moment for De Bruyne, who could only watch and applaud as Manchester City’s £60million January signing Omar Marmoush hammered the ball into the top corner from 30 yards out.

The Egyptian international crashed it in off the post in a better-late-than-never contender for goal of the season, making amends for his penalty miss in the FA Cup final.

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Bernardo Silva doubled City’s lead in typical Guardiola fashion, neatly finishing from Ilkay Gundogan’s cut-back.

The game then largely drifted until a misplaced pass led to Matteo Kovacic pulling back Bournemouth’s Evanilson, which led to a furious reaction from Guardiola.

The Spaniard kicked his chair out of frustration as his side went down to 10 men.

This was short-lived, however, as Lewis Cook was sent off just minutes later for a high challenge, despite winning the ball.

Nico Gonzalez would then put the game to bed, with a sublime near-post effort.

Along with the three points, another bit of good news for the Cityzens was the return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, eight months after his knee injury.

After the game, Micah Richards said De Bruyne will go down as City’s “greatest ever player”, and is “close to perfection”, while Jamie Redknapp insisted the Belgian “has the full repertoire”.

De Bruyne will play his final game for Manchester City at Fulham on Sunday, as the Premier League concludes.