Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has had a road at the City Football Academy named in his honour ahead of his testimonial at the Etihad in aid of homeless charity Tackle4MCR.
The road connecting the City Football Academy youth and community pitches with the Club’s First Team Centre has been renamed ‘Vincent Kompany Crescent’.
And there was a mosaic unveiled today to commemorate Kompany’s iconic goal celebration from the 2012 Manchester derby.
In addition, a sculpture has been commissioned to publicly recognise and celebrate his achievements for the club.
Kompany was an integral part of the 2011 squad that lifted the club’s first silverware in 35 years – the FA Cup – in 2011.
The road is a fitting tribute for a man who finished his long City career by lifting the FA Cup as part of a clean sweep of domestic trophies after winning a total of two FA Cups, four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two Community Shields.
The unveiling was attended by Vincent, his close family members, and the Board of Manchester City including Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “Vincent is a special figure in the history of Manchester City Football Club.
“He is not only an inspirational and resolute leader on the pitch, but an impeccable and articulate ambassador off it.
“His contribution will be remembered for generations to come, by supporters of our club and the wider football community who rightly recognise Vincent as one of the iconic Premier League figures of his generation.
“Vincent Kompany Crescent and, on its completion, his sculpture will serve as ongoing testament to the standards he set and the incredible impact he has had on the Club and its community.”
Vincent Kompany, added: “It is an incredible honour to be recognised by this special Club in this way.
“The 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 Club’s history during that time.
“To establish a permanent, physical connection with a place that will forever mean so much to me is truly humbling and I will always be grateful to Sheikh Mansour, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all those associated with City for their unwavering support and kindness.”
Injury blighted Kompany’s latter career so it was almost fitting that a hamstring issue would keep the Anderlecht defender out of his own testimonial.
The Belgian made light of the situation in a short speech before kick off, promising that he would be back for David Silva’s testimonial.
There were also late withdrawals for fan favourites Aleksandr Kolarov and Edin Dzeko ahead of the game itself while Mario Balotelli was at the game but not playing.
GOALS – Man City Legends XI 2, Premier League XI 2
Man City Legends 1, Premier League XI 0: 1. David Silva slipped in Martin Petrov down the left wing, the Bulgarian closed on goal and rifled a shot into the roof of the net from 6 yards out and wide on the left, wrong-footing Edwin van der Sar.
Man City Legends 1, Premier League XI 1: 31. Robbie Keane finished a neat combination from close range to equalise after Ryan Giggs’ cross was turned into his path by Robin van Persie.
Man City Legends 1, Premier League XI 2: 48. Robin van Persie finished a move he started, receiving a backheel from Tim Cahill on the edge of the City box and driving a shot in past Richard Wright.
Man City Legends 2, Premier League XI 2: 89. Benjani equalised from Nigel de Jong’s free kick with a header which went beyond the reach of Shay Given in the last moments of the game.
The Squads – Man City Legends XI 2, Premier League XI 2
Manchester City Legends XI: Joe Hart, Richard Wright, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Kolo Toure, Pablo Zabaleta, Nigel de Jong, Samir Nasri, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, David Silva, James Milner, Dietmar Hamann, Martin Petrov, Craig Bellamy, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Benjani, Derrick Luckassen
Premier League All Stars XI: Edwin van der Sar, Shay Given, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Jamie Carragher, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Rafael van der Vaart, Mikel Arteta, Patrick Vieira, Robbie Keane, Robin van Persie, Tim Cahill, Darius Vassell
Both squads were also bolstered by Anderlecht players
Referee: Mark Halsey