"If you have any thoughts, don’t schedule the tournament like this."
Manchester City lost 0-1 to Crystal Palace in the 2024-2025 season FA Cup final held at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on the 18th (Korea time). Despite firing 23 shots, they ultimately failed to score against the Palace goal and hung their heads.
As a result, Manchester City finished as FA Cup runners-up for two consecutive seasons. It is the first time in eight seasons since the 2016-2017 season that Manchester City has ended a season without a title. It is also only the second time in his entire career that Pep Guardiola has not lifted a single trophy.
On the other hand, Palace made history by claiming their first major tournament trophy since being founded in 1905. Until now, they only had victories in the English Championship (second division) and League One (third division).
Looking at it from the perspective of the FA Cup alone, this victory marks the first win in its 164-year history since its establishment in 1871. With this victory, Palace will step onto the European stage for the first time next season in the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne also participated, but he could not prevent the team's defeat. His contract expires at the end of this season, and his departure from Manchester City has already been confirmed. He noted, "This season will be the last few months as a Manchester City player. Writing this is not easy, but as a player, it’s a situation we eventually have to face. Manchester will be a name forever remembered by our family," marking the end of his 10-year journey with Manchester City.
De Bruyne also stated, "Like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye now. Manchester will remain in our family’s hearts forever. This place will always be our home. I cannot express in words my gratitude to this city, the club staff, my teammates, friends, and family for sharing this journey over the past 10 years."
The sudden departure was a decision made by Manchester City. De Bruyne confessed, "I didn’t receive any offers all year, and it was Manchester City that made the decision. I was certainly a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still believe I can play at the highest level like now."
Since joining in 2015, De Bruyne has achieved six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League (UCL) title, two FA Cup titles, and five English Football League Cup (EFL Cup) titles. His career statistics now stand at 420 games, 108 goals, and 177 assists.
The Premier League finale against Fulham on the 26th is expected to be De Bruyne's farewell match with Manchester City. Some speculate that he could leave Manchester City after participating in the FIFA Club World Cup starting in mid-June.
However, De Bruyne clarified that he would not participate in the Club World Cup as a Manchester City player. This tournament will be held in the United States in June. In principle, since it is just before the end of his contract, it is not impossible to participate as a Manchester City player. In fact, Thomas Müller, who is parting ways with Bayern Munich, signed a short-term contract to continue with the club for the Club World Cup.
However, De Bruyne drew the line that he would not be participating in the Club World Cup while under contract with Manchester City. The tournament will be held in the U.S. in June. He could theoretically participate just before his contract ends, but since his departure from Manchester City has been confirmed, it puts him in a difficult situation. Consequently, De Bruyne stated that he would not personally partake in the tournament.
De Bruyne explained, "The timing of the Club World Cup doesn’t make sense. It’s being forced into a new competition just before my contract ends, which is why this is happening. What if I get injured at the Club World Cup?" He added, "Then no one will take responsibility for me. So I probably won’t participate in the Club World Cup."
He continued, "I have not yet decided where my next destination will be. I have to consider both myself and my family. Honestly, I’m also considering the possibility of staying in Europe." He emphasized, "It’s disappointing that I couldn’t lift the trophy in this game. However, not winning here doesn’t diminish the accomplishments I have achieved at Manchester City."
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