Kovacic: De Bruyne deserves to ‘leave like a champion’ with FA Cup win | OneFootball

Mateo Kovacic says he and his team-mates want to give Kevin De Bruyne the perfect send-off by winning the FA Cup this weekend.

The Blues take on Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 17 May, with kick-off set for 16:30 (UK).

The final could be De Bruyne’s final opportunity to win silverware at City, in what would be the 20th major honour of his illustrious 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Kovacic believes the Belgian has already acquired legendary status regardless of this weekend’s result, but that the lure of major silverware would be a fitting finale for one of our greatest-ever players.

“For him, it will be emotional and not an easy game for him,” Kovacic said of De Bruyne.

“He has been here so many years and it’s never easy when you have to change and leave.

“The whole team only has one thought and that’s to try and get the trophy and to make the day special for Kevin.

“For what he’s done, he deserves to leave like a champion which he obviously is.

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“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.”

Kovacic has won a host of major honours during his career to date, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, but the FA Cup is one trophy which has eluded him so far.

And the midfielder says it would be a special feeling to get his hands on such a prestigious trophy for the first time, as well as helping City lift it for an eighth time in our storied history.

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He added: “The FA Cup is the oldest cup and it’s special. It’s knock-out games and if you have a bad day, you’re out.

“We’ve had a good run this season and I can’t wait for the Final. It will be amazing on the day – the weather will be good, and all the family will come too.

“We always expect the season to be better, but I think many teams are having good seasons and won’t end up with a trophy.

“In the end, we are in a Final which is never easy, and we are still in the top four which is also not easy. At this club, you take it for granted because we have been on top for so many years consistently.

“This season, although it’s not been good, we can end it in a positive way which could give us a big push for the Club World Cup. Let’s see what the end of the season gives us."