'Sheikh Mansour changed my life': Man City captain Kompany calls time on 11-year Blues career

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has announced he will leave the club after 11 trophy-laden seasons, which culminated in winning a 'domestic treble' of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup success.

The Belgian joined City from Hamburg in 2008, and has overseen Manchester City's most successful period in their history, ascending to captain for the start of the 2011/12 season and leading the club to their maiden Premier League title the same year. He went on to win a further three league winners medals, as well as four League Cups and two FA Cups.

The news comes just a day after City hammered Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday to become the first club to clinch all three English domestic honors in one season.   

Announcing his decision on Facebook, Kompany posted an emotional farewell, crediting City owner Sheikh Mansour for "changing his life", and expressing his gratitude to manager Pep Guardiola, the fans, and the people of Manchester.

"Dear all, Community Shield Winners! Back 2 back League Cup Winners! Back 2 back Champions of England! FA Cup Winners!" the 33-year-old wrote.

"We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season. My 11th as a Blue. And I cannot believe I’m writing this but ... also my last as a Blue. Countless of times have I imagined this day, after all, the end has felt nearby for so many years."

"It still doesn’t feel real. Man City has given me everything. I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could.

"How often does someone get the chance to end such an important chapter, representing a club with such great history and tradition, in such a great fashion? The time has come for me to go now.

Reuters / JOHN SIBLEY

"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.

"Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome.

"I cherish the counsel and leadership of a good human being, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Man City could not be in better hands.

"It’s cliché to say it but it’s also so true: without my teammates I would have never been here today. We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-2009 squad to today’s domestic Treble winners: I owe you guys!

"A special word also to Pep and the backroom staff: you’ve been superb. You’ve followed me through so much hardship. You made me come back stronger every time. Thank you so much."

Kompany also paid tribute to his wife and three children, whom he dubbed his "quadruple", as well as his late mother Jocelyne.

The defender played 360 times for City and scored 20 goals, perhaps the most important of those was a long-range scorcher in a 1-0 win against Leicester that restored City's momentum in a tense Premier League title race against Liverpool.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said of the player: "There have been many important contributors to Manchester City’s renaissance, but arguably none are more important than Vincent Kompany."