In a touching gesture that bucks modern trends, footballer Antoine Semenyo has taken out a full-page advertisement in the Bournemouth Echo to express his gratitude to the fans of AFC Bournemouth. This comes as the winger completes a major £62.5 million transfer to Manchester City, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions.
A Classy Farewell in Print
The Ghanaian international's message, placed on page 15 of the Saturday edition, was simple yet powerful. "To all the fans at AFC Bournemouth, thank you for all the memories, I wish you all the best," he wrote, signing off with his name. This act of appreciation has been widely praised, highlighting his professionalism throughout the transfer process. His conduct stands in stark contrast to the often turbulent nature of big-money moves.
Semenyo's final act on the pitch for the Cherries was equally dramatic. The 26-year-old scored a stoppage-time winner against Tottenham Hotspur in what proved to be his last appearance for the club. This season, he has found the net 10 times in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago.
Praise from Managers and Teammates
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was effusive in his praise for the departing star. "That was a lovely moment for Antoine. Sometimes football gives you these things," Iraola said. "He has been top, he has given everything and been committed until the end. I think it is good football gives him back this moment."
Iraola emphasised Semenyo's character, stating, "We are not only losing an incredible player but one of the best players I have ever coached. He is a top guy, so full of energy and ready for whatever you need. I am sure he will continue his development because he has improved every season with us."
Teammate Marcus Tavernier echoed these sentiments, describing the farewell as cinematic. "Everyone reads the media. There is no better way for it to go," Tavernier noted. "That was the type of stuff you write in movies. No man deserves it more than him. He will be a big miss with his quality but also the person he is in the changing room."
A Coveted Signature Secured by City
The transfer itself marks a significant coup for Manchester City. Semenyo had become one of the most sought-after players in the league after details of his release clause emerged, attracting serious interest from clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. City moved decisively, agreeing an initial fee of £62.5 million with Bournemouth, plus additional add-ons and a sell-on percentage.
Semenyo arrived in Manchester on Thursday morning via a private jet, ready to begin the next chapter of his career. Upon signing, he expressed his excitement at joining Pep Guardiola's side. "I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team," he said.
He added, "My best football is yet to come, I am 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."
BBC pundit Danny Murphy summarised the sentiment surrounding the move, stating, "He deserves great credit for how he has conducted himself, and to score a winning goal on his last appearance - what a way to go." With his blend of proven goal-scoring form and exemplary professionalism, Antoine Semenyo's departure from the south coast is a story of a modern transfer done with remarkable old-fashioned class.
