Vincent Kompany says joining Anderlecht as player-manager is the "most passionate yet rational" decision he has made after announcing he has left Manchester City.
The 33-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Belgian club after 11 years at Etihad Stadium, eight of which he spent as club captain.
Saturday May 18,2019's 6-0 FA Cup final win over Watford was Kompany's final game for City, after winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
In an open letter on Facebook, Belgium defender Kompany said leaving City "doesn't feel real".
"Countless of times have I imagined this day," he said. "After all, the end has felt nearby for so many years.
"Man City has given me everything. I've tried to give back as much as I possibly could."
In a second letter released hours later, Kompany announced his move to Anderlecht, who said his arrival marked the "return of the prince".
"I want to share my knowledge with the next purple generations," said Kompany, who first joined Anderlecht at the age of six.
"With that, I will also put a bit of Manchester in the heart of Belgium."
Centre-back Kompany joined City from Hamburg as a defensive midfielder in 2008 and was named club captain three years later.
He scored his final goal against Leicester on 6 May, a brilliant strike from 25 yards that was voted goal of the season on BBC Match of the Day.
That victory took City to within one win of the Premier League title, which they sealed on the final day of the season with victory at Brighton.
"The time has come for me to go now," Kompany said.
"As overwhelming as it is, 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."
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "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."
Injuries have taken their toll on Kompany in recent years, and he featured in only 17 of City's 38 league games this season because of muscle injuries.
However, he will be remembered for his influence and contribution on the pitch, where he led City to a first top-flight title since 1968 in 2012.
Along with Sergio Aguero and David Silva, Kompany is one of only three survivors from that triumph, and they repeated the achievement in 2014 and 2018.
City retained their title this month, finishing one point ahead of Liverpool after one of the most thrilling seasons in Premier League history.
'We will miss you captain' - reaction
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne: Playing for about 10 years with this man for club and country. And what a privilege it's been. Big player, big personality and big leader. Learned a lot from you. Wishing you all the best for the future.
City midfielder Phil Foden: Looked after me from day one. Led by example, showed everyone what it means to be a leader, wear their heart on the sleeve, and give everything for this club. We will miss you captain.
City defender Kyle Walker: From skip to gaffer, the man has it all!! Since I walked through the door Vinny has been amazing to me. He helped me settle in and I've learned a lot from the big man. Good luck with everything skip, you'll be missed
City centre-back Aymeric Laporte: Thank you for this years close to you. Thank you for all the moments, all the words to me and to be the best leader which need this big family. You are a legend and we wish you the best in your next stage
City midfielder Bernardo Silva: THANK YOU CAPTAIN! What a pleasure to share the dressing room and learn from you over the last two seasons. We'll miss you
Former City midfielder Yaya Toure: My brother Vinny!! It was an honour to share the pitch with you at City! Memories I will cherish. Trophies! Titles!! Making a plan a reality! You are a special man!! A leader. My friend.
Former City striker Paul Dickov: City loves you more than you will know.
Ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker: Good luck to you, Vincent Kompany with your new challenge. One of the greatest players, leaders and role models to have played on the green carpets of this country. And what a way to bow out from Man City.
Ex-England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville: I didn't expect that. There are some players you wish played for your club. Vincent Kompany was one of them. A great centre-back whose influence on and off the pitch was huge.
Former England and Newcastle captain Alan Shearer: What a captain and player.
Ex-England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher: One of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen & one of Man City's greatest ever players!
Former Oasis frontman and City fan Liam Gallagher: Thankyou Vincent Kompany for everything good luck see ya soon.
| Vincent Kompany in stats |
|---|
| Since Kompany's first season with the club, City have won more domestic trophies (10) than any other English side |
| Only David Silva (282) and Joe Hart (266) have made more Premier League games for City than Kompany (265) |
| Kompany has played more Premier League games than any other Belgian player in the league's history |
| Among defenders, only former Chelsea captain John Terry has kept more Premier League clean sheets (101) than Kompany (94) since his debut |
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