Antoine Semenyo has completed his £60m move to Manchester City from Bournemouth and the forward showed his class with a heartfelt full-page advert in the local paper thanking fans.
There are two ways to depart a football club – with your head held high through the front entrance, or by slipping out through the back exit. And it’s safe to say Antoine Semenyo has opted for the classier route after he completed his switch to Manchester City.
The club have shelled out approximately £60million to snap-up the forward from AFC Bournemouth, after he demonstrated his quality at the top level during his time on the south coast. The 26-year-old justified the trust placed in him by the Cherries through his displays on the pitch.
Beyond that, he went the extra mile by featuring in additional games, staying on to play Arsenal and Tottenham in early January, even firing a dramatic 95th-minute winner against the latter in what proved to be his final touch of the ball in a Bournemouth shirt. While that act alone showed true class towards Bournemouth faithful, he has gone one better with his latest move as a parting tribute to the supporters.
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Semenyo bought a full-page advertisement in the local newspaper, the Bournemouth Echo, featuring a heartfelt message to those at Bournemouth, which states: “To all the fans at AFC Bournemouth, thank you for all the memories, I wish you all the best.” The versatile attacker joins Man City on a five-and-a-half-year contract and he’s anticipated to integrate seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s attacking line.
Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, making 110 appearance for the Cherries with 32 goals scored and 13 assisted. Ten of those goals have come in the Premier League this season, as he starts to show his very best form towards the peak years of his career.
In bringing Semenyo on board, City now possess a player who’s proficient at finding the net with either foot, can operate across the entire forward line and excels in pressing systems and work without possession. Director of football Hugo Viana perhaps summed up their acquisition best when speaking to the official City website, saying: “Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club.
“He made it clear to us immediately it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development. I’m excited to see the player he can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He’s humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He’s ideal for us.”
The Ghana international had been linked with switches to Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, but ultimately chose City as his destination. He will now be aiming to make an instant impression by helping drive the club towards the Premier League title this season, with the gap to Arsenal at the summit currently standing at six points.
“I’m so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said when reflecting upon the transfer. “I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League, as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities – and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I’m sure of that. And City are in a great position, still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here – and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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