Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his delight with his team's response to the departure of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City. Semenyo's move comes after Manchester City triggered his €65 million release clause during the winter transfer window.

Iraola had earlier acknowledged the difficulty in keeping Semenyo, admitting that some situations are simply beyond his control. Despite his desire to retain the player, Iraola remained pragmatic about the release clause's implications. Even before the transfer was finalized, Bournemouth had begun scouting for replacements, recognizing the challenge of finding a comparable player mid-season.

Semenyo's final appearance for Bournemouth was a memorable one, as he scored a late winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This goal not only secured the win but also ended the Cherries' 11-game winless streak. The Vitality Stadium erupted in emotional scenes as fans celebrated Semenyo, who had become an influential figure during his time at the club.

Iraola praised Semenyo's commitment and professionalism, especially amidst the uncertainty surrounding his future. He highlighted Semenyo's positive attitude and willingness to contribute, even when faced with external noise and speculation. "It's not easy to do what he has done. Most players, a lot of players would have acted differently. He has never found excuses, he was ready to give whatever we needed," Iraola said.

Iraola described Semenyo's departure as a "fairytale ending," noting that football sometimes rewards those who are truly committed. He added, "He's one of the best players I've ever coached". Iraola also emphasized that Semenyo is a "top person" and a "top professional," praising his energy and readiness.

Semenyo's impact at Bournemouth was significant, as he made 110 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. His contributions helped solidify Iraola's success with the team.

Following Semenyo's departure, Bournemouth has extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory over Wolves. This demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to adapt to changes. Iraola expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and their ability to maintain their momentum despite losing a key player. The team's positive response reflects their collective strength and determination to continue their progress this season.