The winger left the perfect parting gift for the Cherries when he scored a stunning late goal to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at Dean Court on his 26th birthday.
The Bournemouth fans gave Semenyo a standing ovation when he was sent off in the 100th minute of the match, ahead of his £65 million move to City.
Antoine Semenyo’s departure is confirmed ahead of Man City’s transfer
When asked if this was the Ghana international’s last appearance for the club, Iraola told BBC Match of the Day: “I think it was, but unfortunately for us I think so.
“He has been, if not the best, one of the best I have coached. He has improved every season. He has scored ten goals in half a season and not even a number nine.”
“It’s not just the numbers, it’s a lot of things: the physicality, the balls in the air and the defensive stuff. He’ll be a big miss.”
Iraola also told Sky Sports that the deal with City is more or less completed. “You have a medical examination, all the formalities. I dare not say because I don’t want to lose him, but I think these will be his last moments with us.”
Before the match, Iraola said there would be no more Bournemouth exits and hoped new signings would be made.
“We are very thin in terms of numbers,” he told Sky Sports. “If Antoine leaves, he will certainly be the last to leave. Hopefully there will be a movement in the other direction!”
“The club is working, it is not that easy to sign a contract in the winter market. Nobody wants to lose good players, but we certainly need players and I know the club is working on it.”
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, is said not to be keen on Semenyo’s impending arrival following Man City’s draw against Brighton.
“I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the transfer window,” he said.
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