Skip to content

Vincent Kompany decided Man City exit after Leicester wonder goal

City held parade for men's and women's teams to celebrate combined five trophies they won this season

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Vincent Kompany admits he has nothing left to give at Manchester City after announcing his decision to return to Anderlecht as player-manager

Vincent Kompany says he made the decision to leave Manchester City after scoring his wonder goal against Leicester that played a key role in securing the Premier League title.

City needed to beat Leicester at the Etihad Stadium in the penultimate game of the season to retain the initiative in the title race, but were struggling to break their opponents down.

That was until Kompany stepped out of defence and smashed the ball into the top corner from well outside the area in the 70th minute.

Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (R) watches as his shot beats Leicester City's Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (L) to score the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 6, 2019.
Image: Kompany's wonder goal against Leicester came in his last home game for City

City went on to win the Premier League title, and added the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup they won in February to wrap up the first-ever domestic treble by a men's team in English football.

Kompany revealed on Sunday he will return to boyhood club Anderlecht as player-manager next season, and addressing fans at City's open-top bus parade to celebrate their record-breaking season, he said: "The moment that ball against Leicester went 'top bins', I knew I was done.

"I couldn't do anything better. That goal went in and it felt right.

Vincent Kompany is leaving Manchester City after leading them to a domestic treble
Image: Kompany bade farewell to the City fans at an open-top bus parade on Monday

"This team is ready to achieve so much more. I've done everything I could, I've given everything I had; I've got nothing left. I'm proud of that.

Also See:

"You are the best club in the world. I do not care whether you win the Champions League or not; you are the best club in the world.

"I want to say thank you. I love you all. I'm out."

WATCH: Kompany's goal from all angles

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a moment to enjoy Vincent Kompany's goal from all the best angles.

Pep: Kompany will return in the future

Pep Guardiola said he will take time to celebrate this season's success before turning attentions to the next campaign, but believes Kompany will return to the club in the future.

"Now is time for good dinners and good wine. We will think about it in one month's time, and enjoy it now," Guardiola said.

Transfer Talk: Inside Man Utd's overhaul
Transfer Talk: Inside Man Utd's overhaul

United We Stand editor Andy Mitten explains the potential ins and outs at Old Trafford this summer…

"I think we will miss Vincent a lot. He is coming back in the future in some way. It is an incredible way to finish the season."

The only trophy City could not win this season was the Champions League after they were knocked out by Tottenham in a dramatic quarter-final, and Bernardo Silva has urged the club's supporters to demand European success.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester City's men's and women's sides celebrated their successes this season with an open-top bus parade through the city centre

"To be honest, we are tired; we are very tired," Silva admitted. "A long season, a fabulous season with four trophies.

"We want to do better, we want to go for the European trophies. That is the only one that is missing for us and we need the fans to demand more from us. We want the European trophy."

Houghton proud of City Women

City's men's team were joined on the parade by the women's side, who won the FA Cup and League Cup this season, but were pipped to the Women's Super League title despite losing just one match.

City and England captain Steph Houghton said: "Wow. What an incredible feeling. It's unbelievable. We have never been a part of something like this. Some of the girls are only 18, 19, so it pushes us to do well next season.

Steph Houghton of Manchester City Women controls the ball during the Women's FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City Women and Chelsea Ladies at The Academy Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Manchester, England.
Image: City's women's captain Steph Houghton led them to a cup double this season

"I'm very proud of us. The girls have been so good all season and nearly (finished) unbeaten and two trophies. Hopefully next season we can be back with three or four trophies."

Organisers say 100,000 people were in attendance to witness City's parade, which went through the city centre and ended at the cathedral.

'Fireworks, streamers, balloons'

"Manchester underwent a blue rinse as their heroes wended their way from the town hall to the cathedral via Peter Street and Deansgate, windows and rooftops were filled, lampposts and street furniture grabbed as Sergio Aguero helped himself to a League Cup filled with beer."

James Cooper reports from Manchester as City parade their titles.

Kompany departs a legend

"In a game where it is now customary for ex-pros to bemoan that leadership is a lost trait, nobody could level that accusation at the Belgian. He was City's rock. The one who set the tone. The one who set the standards."

Read Adam Bate's tribute to Vincent Kompany.

Sky Sports Racing Selector
Sky Sports Racing Selector

Select 7 winners for your chance to win £1,000

Around Sky