Vincent Kompany has captained Manchester City to three Premier League titles and added a fourth on Sunday.
According to Bowen, the manager who brought him into Manchester city “He is one of those players you don’t want to ever see leave,” he added “He’s an immense presence.
It’s not always what goes on in front of you on the pitch, it’s what happens in the dressing room which is just as important and Vinny more than plays his part.
You can see him being a calming influence right across the club. I think it’s safe to say he has a prominent place in Manchester City folklore.”
Captain Vincent Kompany who announced with an open letter on Facebook that he will leave Manchester City over the weekend, has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during 11 years at Etihad Stadium in which he scored 20 goals in 360 games.
He scored his final goal against Leicester on 6 May, a brilliant strike from 25 yards.
“Countless of times have I imagined this day, it doesn’t feel real. Man City has given me everything. I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could.”
Belgium center-back Kompany joined City from Hamburg as a defensive midfielder in 2008 and was named club captain three years later.
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. He will always be part of the City family.”
Fellow Belgian teammate Kevin deBruyne said “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.
One of the youngest members of the City squad, Phil Foden also had appreciative words for Kompany, he said “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”
In September, the club will hold his testimonial match, from which he will donate all profits to Manchester’s homeless.
