Before the game started, Guardiola talked to de Bruyne and said, "Let me say one thing before you go on the pitch." He then expressed his gratitude to de Bruyne, saying, "Kevin, thank you very much. Without you, it would not have been possible to do what we have done together with you and your teammates."

Guardiola also wished de Bruyne and his teammates a successful game, saying, "I am sure that today we will do everything to make this day a special day, to achieve what we have to (Champions League qualification) and to play the competition that belongs to us."

City's 2-0 win against Fulham ensured they qualified for the Champions League for the next season.