Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has announced that he is to leave the club to become player-manager at Belgian side Anderlecht.
Confusion clouded Kompany's future, particularly since his recent form in the 2019 calendar year helped Manchester City to claim their second successive title.
In particular, his thirty-yard strike against Leicester City - later voted goal of the season - helped to push City over the line.
Kompany said in a statement on his Facebook page:
"We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season.
My 11th as a Blue.
And I cannot believe I’m writing this but ... also my last as a Blue.
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.
I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could.
How often does someone get the chance to end such an important chapter, representing a club with such great history and tradition, in such a great fashion?
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.
Kompany said of the Manchester City supporters "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."
Of Manchester City's owners and playing staff, Kompany was effusive in his praise:
"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.
It’s cliché to say it but it’s also so true: without my teammates I would have never been here today. We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-2009 squad to today’s domestic Treble winners: I owe you guys!
A special word also to Pep and the backroom staff: you’ve been superb. You’ve followed me through so much hardship. You made me come back stronger every time. Thank you so much."
Kompany joined Manchester City from Hamburg in 2008, and was the leader - physically and mentally - for the side's most successful period in their history.
Manchester City chairman - Khaldoon al-Mubarak - said in a statement on the club's website:
"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."
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