Manchester City have had their fair share of legends over the decades, and many of those have played for the club in recent years.
The Citizens have been one of the Premier League’s most dominant clubs over the past 14 years or so, sweeping up a multitude of trophies.
Some Manchester City icons, like Sergio Aguero, have left the Etihad Stadium and retired in some cases, while others, like Kevin De Bruyne, continue to play for the club.
Now, Chelsea icon and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sung the praises of a Man City icon who delivered many memorable moments for the club.
Thibaut Courtois hails Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany
The player in question is Vincent Kompany, a player so iconic for Man City, there’s a statue of him outside the Etihad Stadium.
Courtois was asked by Rio Ferdinand which centre-backs he rates so highly he’d pick them to play in front of him in a Champions League final.
The Belgium icon named Sergio Ramos and John Terry initially, but then went with Kompany as a honourable mention.
“If you had to pick two in front of you, Champions League final, two in front of you, who would it be?” Courtois was asked.
Courtois replied: “I think one would be Ramos for his decisive nature and his strength.
“And the other one, as a leader of a team in Chelsea, I loved JT. He was really like being, as a captain and leader, he was really strong.
“And maybe also Vincent. Vincent in his prime, I really loved him. So the national team was unbelievable.
“I remember when I was first there, I was like, wow, this guy, like the strength he had, the speed and so.
“I think he has a bit of bad luck with the injuries also. But when he was on his prime, it was unbelievable.”
Kompany’s Man City career
Kompany joined Man City from Hamburg in 2008, the Citizens reportedly paying just £6million for his services.
Mark Hughes recalled when he brought Kompany to Man City that year.
“We sat down and talked and if I’m honest, City weren’t as easy to sell to players at that time because nobody knew what was happening behind the scenes or the possible future that lay ahead,” Hughes told the official Man City website.
“I just felt the club was going places and told Vinnie we needed players like him to get us there and move the club forward.
“I told him the ambition was to be the best team in the Premier League and Vinnie got it very, very quickly and he wanted to be part of that project… the rest is history.”
Kompany made 360 appearances for Man City over an 11-year spell, registering 20 goals, 10 assists, becoming captain, and winning a multitude of trophies.
Kompany lifted four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields during his time at the Etihad Stadium.