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May 20, 2019

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Kompany in Anderlecht switch

Source: Agencies | 00:05 UTC+8 May 20, 2019 | Print Edition

Belgian defender Vincent Kompany said yesterday he would be leaving Manchester City and joining Anderlecht as player-manager after helping the Premier League club to become the first team to win the English domestic treble.

“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,” the City captain wrote in an open letter to fans on his Facebook page.

“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.”

The 33-year-old central defender said in the second part of his letter released shortly afterward that he would take up the role of player-manager at Belgian club Anderlecht.

“I choose to be grateful for the past but remain ambitious and driven for the future. For the next three years, I will take up the role of player-manager of RSC Anderlecht,” he added.

“It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made. As a footballer, I was born and raised at Anderlecht. Since the age of 6, I have been one with that club. A history of 34 league titles, they are second to none.”

City crushed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday to complete the unprecedented treble of league championship and both domestic cups, after which Kompany said it was the best team in the world.

Kompany scored with a thunderous long-range strike to decide their penultimate league match of the season against Leicester City, a key moment in its retaining the league title.

“It’s cliche to say it but it’s also so true: without my teammates I would have never been here today,” he added. “We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-09 squad to today’s domestic Treble winners: I owe you guys!

“A special word also to (manager) Pep (Guardiola) and the backroom staff: you’ve been superb. Thank you so much.”

The 33-year-old Belgian defender joined the club in the summer of 2008 and has made 360 appearances, winning four league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.

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