Kevin De Bruyne, right, celebrates with Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku after scoring against Wolves. Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne, right, celebrates with Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku after scoring against Wolves. Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne, right, celebrates with Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku after scoring against Wolves. Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne, right, celebrates with Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku after scoring against Wolves. Getty Images

Man City maintain Champions League push with Kevin De Bruyne aiming to end time at club on high


  • English
  • Arabic

Manchester City's push to secure a Uefa Champions League spot next season remains on course after their victory over in-form Wolves on Friday.

Pep Guardiola's side made it four Premier League wins on the spin thanks to a first-half finish from Kevin De Bruyne that ended Wolves' own victory-streak of six matches.

It meant City moved up to third in the table with the top five guaranteed Champions League football although they have played one game more than their rivals at the top.

With a trip to relegated Southampton up next, followed by games away to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth at home on the last day of the season, City are in the driving seat to end a troubled campaign on a positive note.

They also have a chance to secure more silverware when they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

These games will be the last De Bruyne plays for the club after the club decided not to offer the 33-year-old at new contract once his current deal runs out this summer.

After Friday's win at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne said he was focused on ending the season on a high.

“It has been tough year but we are finding a bit of a groove. We are winning the games that we need to so let's hope we can end the season like that.

“I try to play as much good football as I can. I know that I only have one home game left but I just try to to my job and that's what I did today.

“A lot of teammates have said that it's sad I have to go too but that's just how it goes sometimes in life. I don't know what the future will be, but I know that I can still play here.”

About the match-winning moment in what is set to be De Bruyne's penultimate game at the Etihad, manager Guardiola added: “There was no doubt in him still being capable of doing those things.

“He has shown today that he still has that quality. I am happy for him that he scored.

“His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers and today the goal again. I'm happy that it is finishing that way and we have one more game in the Etihad.”

Widely considered one of the greatest players in Premier League history, De Bruyne has won the domestic title six times, League Cup on four occasions, two FA Cups as well as one Champions League crown while at City.

He has also been awarded both the Professional Footballers' Association and the Premier League's Player of the Year award on two occasions.

After City's win at Everton two weeks ago, De Bruyne – who turns 34 in June – expressed his disappointment about no being able to extend his 10-year stay in Manchester.

“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision," sai” De Bruyne, who has seen newly crowned champions Liverpool hand two of their experienced stars in Mohamed Salah (aged 32) and Virgil van Dijk (33) new contracts.

“Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions.

“Maybe if the team didn't struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision."

De ”uyne has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer in the US but the playmaker still has aspirations of playing at the highest level and could yet sign for another English top-flight club.

“I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I'm not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job,” he added.

“I'm open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.”

Recipe

Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo

Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Method

Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.

Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.

Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking,  remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.

Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.

 

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Meydan race card

6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m​​​​​​​
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m​​​​​​​
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m​​​​​​​
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m​​​​​​​
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Scores

Day 2

New Zealand 153 & 56-1
Pakistan 227

New Zealand trail by 18 runs with nine wickets remaining

What are the main cyber security threats?

Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.

Updated: May 03, 2025, 11:29 AM