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Kompany exits Man City after 11 years, becomes player-manager at Anderlecht

May 19, 2019 6:09 pm

Vincent Kompany, Manchester City captain, has announced he will leave the club this summer, 11-years after joining the Etihad side.

Kompany is returning to his homeland, to take charge of Anderlecht as a player-manager.

He leaves the Etihad after 360 appearances, since joining from Hamburg in 2008, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups along the way — including one of each this season.

The 33-year-old’s decision comes less than 24 hours after the former Anderlecht and Hamburg star lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, after City’s 6-0 thumping of Watford.

Dear all, you can find my Open Letter to the fans, Part 1 of 2 on my Facebook page: https://t.co/j6qZRjJKYu pic.twitter.com/F1k8rUS2hJ

— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 19, 2019

Kompany confirmed his departure on his Facebook wall by saying “the time has come for me to go now”.

“We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season. My 11th as a Blue. I cannot believe I’m writing this but … also my last as a Blue,” he wrote.

“Countless of times have I imagined this day, after all, the end has felt nearby for so many years. It still doesn’t feel real. Man City has given me everything.”

Part 2 of my open letter is here: https://t.co/j6qZRjJKYu pic.twitter.com/jbaSDW4iMk
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— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 19, 2019

“As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out. 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.

“Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome.

“I cherish the counsel and leadership of a good human being, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Man City could not be in better hands.”

Kompany also confirmed signing a three-year deal to become player-manager of Anderlecht.

https://twitter.com/rscanderlecht/status/1130050310066638848?s=21

He joined the Brussels club at the age of six and his career has now come full circle after a trophy-laden stint at City.

“I choose to be grateful for the past but remain ambitious and driven for the future.

“For the next three years, I will take up the role of player-manager of Anderlecht. Belgium’s finest. This may come as a surprise to you. It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made.”