Mateo Kovacic reveals the “one thought” in Manchester City players’ minds ahead of the FA Cup Final | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne and a successful end to his Manchester City career is the only thought in the minds of Pep Guardiola’s players, according to Mateo Kovacic.

The Manchester City squad travel to London on Friday afternoon ahead of their FA Cup Final showdown with fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace, hoping to bring back the iconic trophy to the Etihad Stadium for the second time in three years.

It is the final chance for Manchester City to avoid a major trophy-less campaign having only claimed the FA Community Shield honour prior to the start of the competitive fixture list last August courtesy of a victory over Manchester United.

This weekend’s clash at Wembley also has added importance on a personal note for Manchester City’s players as it is the final opportunity for Kevin De Bruyne to claim a trophy in the club’s Sky Blue strip.

The Belgian international will be leaving City this summer after a decade of service to the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer, with the club opting not to renew his contract beyond the end of June.

Speaking as part of Manchester City’s preview to the weekend’s FA Cup Final, Mateo Kovacic has revealed the “one thought” in the mind of the players related to De Bruyne heading into the clash with Crystal Palace.

“For him, it will be emotional and not an easy game for him. He has been here so many years and it’s never easy when you have to change and leave,” Kovacic said.

“The whole team only has one thought and that’s to try and get the trophy and to make the day special for Kevin [De Bruyne]. For what he’s done, he deserves to leave like a champion which he obviously is,” he added.

“He represents the club – among the best players in the club’s and Premier League history. He is a massive figure in City’s success, and he will be remembered as one of the best.”

For the time being, Manchester City supporters have no further clarity on where De Bruyne will be playing his football next season, although there remains every possibility that the 33-year-old could remain at the very top of European football.

While Major League Soccer was tipped to be his most likely destination beyond the Etihad after interest from Inter Miami, DC United, New York City, and The Chicago Fire, Serie A giants Napoli emerged as a serious contender for his signature.

Italian media reports have indicated over the last week or so that interest from the Naples club is serious and aiming to be advanced at the earliest possibility, with De Bruyne and his young family weighing up the idea of a move to an area of Italy they are familiar with and fond of.