Going out on a high

Emotional tribute

De Bruyne was fighting back tears as he addressed the crowd after the match and watched a video montage of tributes from club greats on the stadium's big screen.

He was given a guard of honor by his teammates as he walked to the middle of the field with his wife and three children.

City said it would erect a statue in his honor outside the stadium.

"It means I will always be part of this club," De Bruyne said. "Whenever I come back with family and friends, I will be able to see myself so I will always be here."

City also unveiled a mosaic of De Bruyne at the club's academy and named a road on its campus after him.

The 33-year-old De Bruyne was part of a period of unprecedented success for City, which saw it win 16 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He waved to the crowd while City fans serenaded him as he left the field in the second half, before embracing Guardiola as he crossed the touchline.

"There are players that are unique," Guardiola said. "In 10 years there are a lot of games, a lot of titles, a lot of moments. Today summarized how much love was there (for him)."

He is the latest City great to have a mural made in his honor, joining Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan.

Rodri returns

Rodri returned to action eight months after having surgery on an ACL injury that ruled him out for the majority of the season.

The Ballon d'Or winner came on as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance since being injured against Arsenal on Sept 22.

His return means he is likely to be available for the Club World Cup in the United States next month.

Palace party

There was no hangover for Crystal Palace after Saturday's FA Cup victory over City.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice in a 4-2 win over Wolves.

Just days after Palace's win at Wembley secured its first major trophy, the team kept the party going in front of its home fans at Selhurst Park.

Wolves went ahead through Emmanuel Agbadou, but two goals from Nketiah in the space of five minutes in the first half put the home side in front.

Eberechi Eze — who scored the winning goal in the final — was on target again late on.

Agencies via Xinhua