Savinho and Riyad Mahrez react to Manuel Akanji’s ‘finished’ Man City message
Manuel Akanji took to social media after Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell overshadowed a 3-1 win for Man City against Bournemouth.
Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez were all on the scoresheet as Daniel Jebbison’s consolation goal failed to ruin the farewell party for one of the club’s biggest legends.
Frank Lampard and Cole Palmer led the goodbyes to the Belgian superstar following the win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, 20 May, with just one away game of the 2024/25 campaign remaining.
Both sides received red cards through Mateo Kovacic and Lewis Cook, but the disruption was not enough to keep City from winning an important three points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Manuel Akanji thanks Man City support after tough season
Taking to Instagram (20 May), Akanji wrote: “Finished strong at home with a dominant performance. Appreciate all of you for sticking with us this season – your support means everything.”
The defender sought likes from teammates, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, and Ruben Dias, as well as former fan favourite, Riyad Mahrez.
Pep Guardiola to make key changes ahead of 2025/26 campaign
Football Insider verdict
The Citizens head into the final matchday in a tremendous position, even facing the prospect of finishing above Arsenal if Southampton pull off the unimaginable, even despite an awful season at the Etihad.
While the squad has been hit by a multitude of injuries this season, Pep Guardiola has already threatened to quit ahead of next season if the squad is made too big for him to handle this summer.
| Premier League standings | Points |
| 2. Arsenal | 71 |
| 3. Man City | 68 |
| 4. Newcastle United | 66 |
| 5. Chelsea | 66 |
| 6. Aston Villa | 66 |
| 7. Nottingham Forest | 65 |
After being knocked out of the Champions League and EFL Cup at early stages, fans have been disappointed with the overall campaign, but just a draw against Fulham will all but guarantee Champions League football again.
Man City losing De Bruyne is, obviously, a hugely emotional moment for the football club, and there are likely to be exits to follow over the course of the summer transfer window.
Jack Grealish, John Stones, Silva, and Ederson could all follow the legend out of the Man City exit doors, with supporters expecting new signings to join Marmoush and Gonzalez on the pitch next season.