FA Cup final: De Bruyne deserves a champion's farewell — Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic has declared that Manchester City are determined to give Kevin De Bruyne a champion's send-off by winning the FA Cup final this Saturday.

Details: City will face Crystal Palace at Wembley. This match could mark De Bruyne's final appearance for the club and earn him his 20th trophy over a decade at the Etihad.

Quote: “For him, it will be an emotional and tough game,” Kovacic said. “He has spent so many years here, and it's always hard when you have to make a change and move on. The entire team is focused on one thing — winning the trophy and making this day special for Kevin. For everything he's done, he deserves to leave as a champion — which he undoubtedly is.”

Mateo added: "He [De Bruyne] is a symbol of the club, one of the greatest players in the history of both the club and the Premier League. He's played a colossal role in City's success and will always be remembered as one of the greats.

The FA Cup is the oldest competition, and it's special. It's a knockout format: if you have a bad day, you're out. We've had a fantastic run to the final this season, and I'm really looking forward to the decisive match. It's going to be amazing — great weather, my whole family will be there," Kovacic said in comments published on the club's official website.

• Also: For the first time since 2017, no Manchester City player has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Season

Reminder: Kovacic is a four-time Champions League winner, but he has never lifted the FA Cup. Victory in this final could bring him his debut trophy in the competition and deliver Manchester City's eighth FA Cup in history.