Kompany leaves the club having made 360 appearances
Vincent Kompany will leave Manchester City this summer after 11 years at the Etihad Stadium, the club confirmed on Sunday.
Kompany joined the club from Hamburg at the age of 22 in August 2008, having spent three years at the German side. He immediately impressed at City and is widely considered one of the best signings made by City since their takeover by Sheikh Mansour.
The Belgian centre-back was voted Premier League Player of the Season in 2014, as well as being named in the team of the year in 2011 and 2012. In his final season – 2018/19 – he scored a crucial goal from outside the box against Leicester City which was pivotal in City winning the title. It was the last of 20 goals he scored for the club.
Throughout his career at City, Kompany won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.
In a statement on the club’s website, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said of Kompany: “There have been many important contributors to Manchester City’s renaissance, but arguably none are more important than Vincent Kompany.
“He defines the essence of the club. For a decade he has been the lifeblood, the soul, and beating heart of a supremely talented squad.
“A booming voice in the dressing room yet a quiet and measured ambassador off it, Vincent can be as proud of himself as we are of him.
“I am not sure he expected to lift the Premier League trophy on four occasions during his captaincy but he will be remembered and revered whenever this period of unprecedented City success is spoken about by future generations.
“His leadership, intelligence and determination have seen him adapt brilliantly to playing under four different managers and overcome some debilitating injuries. He is a special character who has answered every demand the club has made of him.
“We now look forward to celebrating his testimonial match in September so that we can properly celebrate his City contribution. He will always be part of the City family.”
Kompany confirmed that he will take up a player-manager role with former club RSC Anderlecht.
“For the next three years, I will take up the role of Player-Manager of RSC Anderlecht. Belgium’s finest.
“This may come as a surprise to you. It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made.
“As a footballer, I was born and raised at RSC Anderlecht. Since the age of 6, I have been one with that club. A history of 34 league titles, they are second to none.”
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