Today marks the 10th anniversary of steadfast defender and leader Vincent Kompany joining the club. Here are seven facts about the Belgian that may have passed you by.
1) Bought his hometown club
In March 2013 Kompany bought what was in effect his hometown club – FC Bleid in Belgium. The Club had a number of years of financial difficulties but Kompany was clear in his vision for the future of the club wanting it to offer opportunities to local kids to keep them away from a life of crime.
Kompany believed it was his love of football which kept him away from falling in with the wrong crowd whilst growing up.
Following a fan vote the club was renamed BX Brussels and currently plays in the Regional 4th Division in Belgium. Kompany has installed his sister as Chief Operating Officer running the club.
2) Back to school
In 2018 Kompany graduated with an MBA from the Manchester Business School following a number of years of study whilst maintaining his professional football career.
3) Teenage sensation
Kompany made his International debut for Belgium at the age of 17 in February 2004.
4) Charity work
He is an Official FIFA ambassador for the charity SOS Children which is dedicated to providing a loving home for every child in need. In 2014 Kompany visited the work the charity was undertaking in Congo, ancestral home of his father.
5) Shirt numbers
Kompany joined Manchester City on 22 August 2008 taking the number 33 shirt. He wore this shirt number until 2010/11 season when he took the vacant number 4 shirt he was worn since.
6) Paternal information
His father is Pierre Kompany who has had some active involvement in Belgian politics and also works as an agent for Vincent Kompany.
7) Injury problems
Kompany is a warrior striving to always be the best he can be. He has suffered 24 injury lay offs in his professional career and has had the single minded dedication and commitment to overcome each of these.
The mental strength he has shown is an integral part of the personal character which has made Kompany a legend amongst Manchester City fans worldwide.