"It's Surreal!" Key Bournemouth Cogs Contemplate European Football

A night that will live forever in AFC Bournemouth history sparked emotional scenes at Vitality Stadium, as the Cherries secured European football after a famous result against Manchester City, and after the game, players spoke with pride, disbelief and excitement, with many reflecting on the club’s remarkable rise and the unity that has driven Bournemouth to one of the greatest achievements in their history.

Speaking on AFCBTV, Junior Kroupi admitted the moment felt "amazing" after playing his part in the historic evening, but insisted the collective achievement mattered more than any individual contribution.

"It’s very good for me, but most important for me is the team result and we are very optimistic. It’s just amazing, amazing," he said.

Reflecting on his strike during the game, Kroupi added: "It’s crazy. I shoot very good. Just the keeper - can’t move, just amazing for me. But the most important thing is the team. I say that every time. The most important is the team for me."

Despite the celebrations, the youngster stressed the squad’s focus quickly turns to the final match of the season against Nottingham Forest.

"Yeah, last game against Nottingham is the most important and after we can go holiday and chill, but we need to work for being ready against Nottingham."

Also on AFCBTV, defender James Hill, described by many as their understated Player of the Season, lauded the achievements as being fully deserved for both the squad and supporters after years of progress at the club.

"I think it’s an incredible evening, obviously, to secure Europe. And it’s what this team deserves for the hard work and effort they’ve put in. And it’s also what these fans deserve. They’ve been with us through thick and thin throughout these five years at this club. It’s been up and down and they stuck with us. The whole club deserves this moment and they should really celebrate it tonight."

Hill also made it clear Bournemouth’s standards will not drop heading into the final fixture of the campaign.

"It’s all about finishing the season as high as we possibly can points-wise and see how everything else falls but we want to keep our standards high. We want to go and get them three points and then we can look back at the season and go we’ve done everything possibly can to achieve the position we’re in now."

He also reflected emotionally on his personal journey at the club, saying: "My journey hasn’t been the easiest since coming into this football club. I’ve had to wait for my opportunities and keep working hard and wait patiently for my moment to come. It’s been a real honour just to put the shirt on every day since I’ve come to this football club and be a part of something really, really special".

Club stalwart Lewis Cook echoed those sentiments, admitting the magnitude of the moment still felt surreal.

“Yeah, it’s crazy - a bit surreal. It shows the hard work the lads have done this year and I think for the club as well. Everyone’s come together, it’s been an amazing season, everyone deserves it, the players that have come in, just the hard work from everyone. Delighted for us and delighted for the fans as well."

Cook also insisted Bournemouth remain determined to finish the season strongly.

"It’s a big game, it’s the next one, it’s the last one, so hopefully we can go there with the mentality of trying to get as many points as we can and see where it leaves us."

Sparing a thought for Andoni Iraola, the combative midfielder paid tribute to the head coach for the trust shown in him and the squad during the club’s rise.

"I think the gaffer’s been amazing for me and a lot of other lads as well. I think he’s come in, he’s trusted me, he’s trusted a lot of other players and I can just be so thankful for that".

"His trust has helped me play a lot of games and helped me play at the highest level and I’ve really enjoyed it and it’ll be a big, big miss but thank you for everything, really."

Finally, Alex Scott spoke passionately about what European qualification means for a club that has climbed through the divisions over the past two decades.

"Massive. For this club where it was, fighting in League Two. Nearly going bust, it’s amazing," Scott said. "The fact that we are even in the Premier League and competing at the top end, it’s amazing for the club and amazing for us players. The fans deserve it, everyone involved with this club deserves it and it’s something we have been pushing for ever since the head coach came in three years ago"

"It’s going to be a challenge for this club but one we are ready for and we are looking forward to it."

As celebrations continued long into the night on the south coast, there was a shared message from Bournemouth’s dressing room - pride in what has been achieved, gratitude towards the supporters and belief that this historic qualification is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club.