Statues of Kompany and Silva unveiled at Etihad Stadium

Kompany played for City for 11 seasons, captaining them for eight and leading the club to their first top-flight title for 44 years when they won the Premier League in 2011-12.

The Belgian defender added further league crowns in 2013-14, 2017-18 and 2018-19, as well as lifting the FA Cup twice and the EFL Cup four times, with Silva also sharing in all of that glory.

Silva, a world and European champion with Spain, also added a fifth EFL Cup in 2019-20.

The statues, which will be illuminated by blue-tinted lighting at night, were created by award-winning sculptor Andy Scott and have been constructed using thousands of welded pieces of galvanised steel.

“I didn’t really expect to be recognised by such a great club in that way,” Kompany told the club’s website.

“My wife is from Manchester, my kids are born in Manchester, and they go back to a place where they can see something that represents what their dad has achieved and that is something that I can’t describe.

“The first time I saw the statue I couldn’t believe how big it was, but then again, I’m a big boy, so fair enough! And then especially the pose, for me it means a lot.”

Silva made 436 appearances for City, scoring 77 goals.

“Being at City changed my life. I’m proud of what we did together and I feel emotional that it has been recognised like this,” said Silva, whose statue captures the midfielder with his foot on the ball and looking up.

“When I first saw the statue, I felt good, I thought it was like me. This statue really represents the way I like to play, I love the pose the sculptor has chosen.

“It really reminds me of those times I was on the pitch playing and that moment when I had to find the striker.”

A third statue – of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero – is set to join the existing two next year.

REUTERS