De Bruyne bids farewell to Manchester City fans with tears

When saying goodbye to Manchester City fans, De Bruyne said that he hopes the fans can remember him "with joy".

The Belgian midfielder completed his 142nd and last home appearance for Manchester City in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday. In the first half, he hit the crossbar and almost scored, and after the game, he received a touching tribute ceremony in the center of the court. When the blessing videos of former teammates such as Aguero, Fernandinho, Kompani, club celebrities such as Mike Somerby and Henry were played on the big screen, Guardiola on the sidelines also burst into tears.

De Bruyne walked into the stadium with his wife Michelle and three children, all Manchester City players and staff lined up to greet him. The 33-year-old midfielder core choked up several times when he was invited to speak.

"Manchester is home," said De Bruyne. "My children were born here. When we came here with Michel, we never thought we would stay for ten years, and we would not have expected to create such a glory with the club, fans and teammates. "

"We won everything. We made the club stronger, and now it's time for the new generation to take over the flag. "

De Bruyne scored 108 goals in 421 Manchester City appearances, becoming the first Manchester City midfielder to reach a 100-goal milestone since Colin Bale, and contributed 177 assists at the same time. In the past ten years, he won 6 Premier League, 2 FA Cups, 5 League Cups with the team, and won the Champions League, European Super League and Club World Cups, becoming the most successful player in the club's history.

"I long to play football with creativity and passion," he said emotionally, "I enjoy football, and I believe everyone has enjoyed my performance. Everyone inside and outside the club is pushing me to be the best self. "

"These people on the screen and the teammates in front of me have made me stronger. It is a great honor to fight side by side with them. We have formed a lifelong friendship, and believe me, we will definitely get together again. "

When asked how he hoped fans would remember themselves, he replied: "With joy. I want to bring people happiness and victory. The team has made incredible efforts, they are eager to win, and victory will continue regardless of whether I have or not in the future. "

Before the game, the club unveiled the De Bruyne theme mosaic mural at the Youth Training Academy and named a road after him. After the game, it was announced that he would follow in the footsteps of David Silva, Kompany and Aguero, and have an exclusive statue outside the Etihad Stadium.

This mural, created by Manchester City's die-hard and local artist Mark Kennedy, shows De Bruyne's classic celebration. Before the Cherry Legion’s visit, club chairman Mubarak personally showed the gift to the players. This work is a permanent tribute to another Manchester City legend after Silva, Kompany, Aguero, Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, Fernandinho and Gundogan.