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| Vincent Kompany’s poor luck with injuries has struck again, ruling the former Manchester City captain out of his own testimonial |
Former Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany was ruled out of his own testimonial with a hamstring injury on Wednesday but received some consolation after the club said it would commission a statue in his honour.
The match will kick off at Cityโs Etihad Stadium later on Wednesday and the irony of being unable to play was not lost on the 33-year-old Belgium international, who spent a large chunk of his time in England in the treatment room.
Kompany, who was at City for 11 years, left before the start of the current season to join Anderlecht as player-coach.
โUnfortunately I wonโt be starting tonight or playing. Itโs typical of me, right?โ he told reporters before the game. โIโm usually just there for the end of the season. Iโve got a slight hamstring injury. I couldnโt risk it tonight.
โThere are still plenty of awesome players to be watching and itโs about the celebration and to say goodbye โ I donโt need to be on the pitch as such.โ
Kompany was set to play for a City legends team against a team of Premier League legends, with proceeds from the match going towards a charity he set up to help combat homelessness in Manchester.
There was some consolation, however, with City announcing they would name a road at their academy after Kompany and unveil a statue at The Etihad of their most successful captain.
Kompany made 360 appearances for City, helping the club emerge as one of the dominant forces in English football and genuine title rivals to neighbours Manchester United.
He was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2011, ending the clubโs 35-year trophy drought, and led City to four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two Community Shields.
โIt is an incredible honour to be recognised by this special club in this way,โ Kompany said.
โThe journey that we went on together throughout my 11 years in Manchester changed my life and I am delighted to have played my small part in altering the course of this clubโs history during that time.โ
REUTERS
