Captain, Leader, Legend – Vincent Kompany To Leave Manchester City

One of the days all blues fans have dreaded has arrived – Vincent Kompany, the man who has lifted four Premier League titles, four League Cups and now an FA Cup, has announced he will be leaving the club this summer.

Kompany, signed from Hamburg in 2008 by Mark Hughes, made 360 appearances for the blues, scoring 20 goals in the process, including the thunderbolt against Leicester in what turned out to be his final home appearance, which all but gave the blues their second successive Premier League title.

Announcing his departure on Facebook, Kompany said “countless of times have I imagined this day. After all, the end has felt nearby for so many years. Man City has given me everything. I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could.

“The time has come for me to go now. As overwhelming as it is, I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club. I remember the first day, as clear as I see the last. I remember the boundless kindness I received from the people of Manchester. I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds, you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up.”

Kompany was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2011, the first trophy won by club since 1976 and a first FA Cup triumph since 1969, but the defender wrote himself into City folklore almost twelve months later as the blues won their first league title in 44 years. Kompany’s header in the derby against United not only won the match, but sent City to the top of the Premier League with two matches remaining and became the first City captain to lift the Premier League trophy.

Kompany scored his only Wembley goal in last season’s League Cup Final against Arsenal, and it was his strike against Leicester that put one hand on the Premier League trophy just a couple of weeks ago.

The blues will reward his service with a testimonial in September, and in true Kompany style, he has promised all profits will go towards Manchester’s homeless. A leader on the field, a gentleman off it, Vincent Kompany will be missed at City, but something tells me that it’s not the last time we will see him at the club.

Future City manager, anyone?

Thanks for your service Vinnie, City loves you more than you will know.