In an era when football transfers are increasingly characterized by abrupt departures and calculated statements, Antoine Semenyo’s farewell to Bournemouth fans stands out as a remarkably personal and heartfelt tribute.
The Ghanaian forward, whose £62.5 million move to Manchester City was finalized this week, took to social media to deliver an emotional goodbye, ensuring the supporters who cheered him for three years were the first to know about his departure. His message wove together gratitude, cherished memories, and a poignant acknowledgment that it was time for a new challenge, offering a masterclass in how to respectfully transition from a beloved club to a European giant.
Reflecting on an “incredible three years,” Semenyo directly addressed the Bournemouth faithful, calling them “special” and expressing profound thanks for their unwavering support. “You guys have been special to me, you’ve been great. You’ve supported me, backed me and gave me all the confidence in the world that I needed as a player,” he said in a video message.
“I’ll never forget and I’m always grateful”. This gratitude was undoubtedly deepened by the fans’ show of solidarity earlier in the season when they applauded him in the 24th minute of a match as a unified stand against the racist abuse he had suffered in the campaign’s opening game. His farewell extended to the club’s staff and his teammates, whom he credited as a “special group” that achieved record points together.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola reciprocated this high regard, calling Semenyo “one of the best players I have ever coached” and “a top professional” who improved every season.
Semenyo’s departure was scripted with a cinematic flourish that few players experience. In what is now confirmed as his final act in a Bournemouth shirt, he scored a spectacular 95th-minute winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Vitality Stadium.
The strike, described by teammate Marcus Tavernier as “the type of stuff you write in movies,” provided the perfect parting gift and a symbolic full stop to his chapter with the Cherries. Manager Iraola noted the poetic justice of the moment, saying, “Sometimes football gives you these things… I think it is good football gives him back this moment”.
Following the match, Semenyo traveled to Manchester to complete his medical and finalize a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions.
For Manchester City, the acquisition represents a significant investment to bolster their attacking options as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts. Semenyo, who has scored 10 league goals this season, expressed his eagerness for the new challenge, acknowledging the club’s dominant standards under Pep Guardiola.
“I’m still improving and I feel like I’m still yet to reach my peak,” he stated upon joining City. “I feel like I’ve got learning to do and joining City is the best thing for my development”. His move, which also fulfills a childhood dream of playing in the UEFA Champions League, sees him leave Bournemouth as a transformative figure who arrived as a promising talent from Bristol City and departs as a club-record sale and a matured international star.
The final message from Bournemouth’s official channels was succinct yet warm, confirming the transfer “for a Club-Record Fee” and wishing him “nothing but the best”. This mutual respect bookends a transfer that, despite its high financial stakes, was handled with a notable degree of grace by all parties.
Semenyo’s heartfelt farewell ensures his legacy at the Vitality Stadium is not merely one of goals and assists, but of genuine connection and professional integrity, setting a commendable precedent as he steps onto the grander stage at the Etihad Stadium.