Sunday 19 May 2019 19:32, UK
Pep Guardiola has admitted replacing "special" Vincent Kompany at Manchester City will be difficult - both on and off the field.
The 33-year-old revealed he was leaving the club after 11 years on Sunday to become Anderlecht's player-manager on a three-year deal.
City boss Guardiola has hailed the defender's contribution over the past decade, culminating in the club claiming an unprecedented domestic treble with a 6-0 FA Cup win over Watford on Saturday.
"His spirit has been incredible; he was so important for us in the final weeks of this season," Guardiola said.
"It will be so difficult to replace Vinnie. Everyone has their strengths, but Vincent is special. We will miss him. I will miss him a lot."
Having played 360 games for City since joining from Hamburg in 2008, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups, Guardiola is in no doubt the player is a modern-day legend.
"This club is what it is because of some of our great former players like Mike Summerbee, Tony Book, Francis Lee and Colin Bell," Guardiola added.
"But since Sheikh Mansour took over and Khaldoon became chairman, so came a new era of players who helped change this club's destiny.
"Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and David Silva - they are incredible players who helped this club take a huge step forward.
"Vincent helped this club achieve so much before I came and when I arrived here.
"We tried to do it together along with all the other people to try and maintain that position and create new history."
"Of course, I wish him the very best in the next stage of his life, but he is an incredible part of this football club and will remain so forever."
