De Bruyne backs Guardiola to guide Man City back to their best as he bids farewell to supporters at Etihad Stadium | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne backed Manchester City to get back to challenging for more titles next season as he bid farewell to fans at the Etihad Stadium after his final home game.

De Bruyne helped his side secure a crucial 3-1 win over Bournemouth in his last game at the Etihad Stadium thanks to goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez.

It means Guardiola’s side need just a point on the final day against Fulham to secure another season of Champions League football.

The Belgian midfielder started and played almost 70 minutes of the game, and afterwards gave a speech on the pitch to bid farewell to the club where he has spent ten years, ahead of his summer exit.

“I think the best way to describe my life with my wife and my three kids is we’ve fit in perfectly,” De Bruyne reflected.

“We understand where the club has come to and why the club means a lot to a lot of people. Together we’ve built a big future for you guys, for the club to perform the way this club will perform.

“I know there’s been a bit of a tough year for us but I think the team deserves all the support from you guys. I know they’re pushing really hard and this team will be back next year pushing for all the titles, so they deserve this.

“Manchester is home, Manchester is where these little kids were born.

“I came here with my wife, Michelle, to stay for a long time. I didn’t expect to be here 10 years. To do what we’ve done as a club, supporters, teammates we’ve won everything. We made the city, the club bigger and now they’re going to take over.

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

“Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys, everybody we see on the screen and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before. It’s an honour to play with these guys. I’ve made so many friends for life. We’ll be back for sure soon.”