VINCENT KOMPANY HAS revealed he will not play in his own Manchester City testimonial due to a hamstring injury.
Former City captain Kompany is returning to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since his departure at the end of last season, yet he will not feature in the match between Manchester City Legends and a Premier League All-Stars XI.
The 33-year-old, who has endured a tough start to life as Anderlecht player-coach, has not featured since hobbling out of a 1-0 defeat to Genk on 23 August.
Kompany, who repeatedly suffered with injuries at City, last playing more than 30 Premier League games in a season in 2011-12, announced his absence from Wednesdayโs fixture in good humour.
โUnfortunately I wonโt be starting or playing,โ the Belgian told a news conference on the day of the match. โItโs typical of me, right? Iโm usually there for the end of the seasonโฆ
โIโve got a slight hamstring injury so I couldnโt unfortunately risk it tonight.
โTo say goodbyes doesnโt necessarily have to be on the pitch, as such, and weโre doing it for an unbelievable cause [Tackle4MCR, an initiative Kompany set up to help the homeless].โ
With David Silva, Kompanyโs replacement as captain, leaving at the end of the season, he added: โIโll be there for David Silvaโs testimonial.โ
- Omni
Some man,some character
Genius
What a legend, i taught he missed the blue!
The game wouldnโt be the same without him. He is the greatest ever. Heโs the only reason I watch snooker.
The fairy tale ended for David Morris unfortunately. What a week for him, his best Snooker result ever โ hopefully the prize money will allow him to focus full time and kick on from here.
That was just magic. Genius at work. Would watch him play all day, every day.
Ronnie is just lethal, could have had a maximum in the previous frame too. Fantastic player to watch
Not a bad eveningโs work from The Ron.
The things he does with a cue make you scratch your head. The shots he mKes and plays. Best if all time
Makes it look easy
Thought it was downgraded to a veruka