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Vincent Kompany confirms Manchester City exit after 11 years at club

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will leave the club this summer.

He is returning to his homeland, to take charge of Anderlecht as player manager.

The Belgian defender leaves the Etihad after 11 years and 360 appearances, having this season led City to a domestic Treble.

In an emotional Facebook post to fans, Kompany confirmed that "the time has come for me to go now".

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.

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City confirmed the news, declaring: "Vincent Kompany played his last game for Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over Watford.

"The defender has decided to call time on his 11-year association with the Club having won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.

"In total, he has played 360 times, scoring 20 goals."

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Kompany said: "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."

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City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to the outgoing skipper, saying: "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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