Vincent Kompany: Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs & Ashley Cole play in testimonial

Last updated on 12 September 2019.From the section Man City31

Vincent Kompany missed his testimonial due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Anderlecht in August

Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Cole were among the stars to play in Vincent Kompany's testimonial as a Manchester City legends XI drew 2-2 with a Premier League legends side.

The 33-year-old, who joined Anderlecht in the summer, played no part at Etihad Stadium due to a hamstring injury.

Martin Petrov put City ahead from an acute angle but Robbie Keane equalised.

Robin van Persie fired the Premier League side ahead from long range but Benjani's header gave City a draw.

The money raised from the friendly will go towards Tackle4MCR, a charity Kompany set up with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to help with homelessness in the city.

Earlier in the day, City announced they had commissioned a sculpture of Kompany to be built outside the Etihad, while a road within the club's training ground has been renamed Vincent Kompany Crescent.

Before the match, Kompany's father, Pierre, said his son should one day be president of Fifa.

Pierre, who last year became Belgium's first black mayor, said: "If I can talk on his behalf, Vincent should one day be the president of Fifa. That should be his place to help children in all the world into sport."

City celebrated taking the lead early on when Martin Petrov (centre) found the net — City took the lead early on when Martin Petrov (centre) found the net

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville had a night to forget as he pulled his hamstring and was forced off

Robin van Persie (centre) celebrated his second half goal with Ryan Giggs (left) and Ashley Cole (right) — Robin van Persie (centre) celebrated his second-half goal with Ryan Giggs (left) and Ashley Cole (right)

Former world champion boxer and Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton was among the 51,000 in attendance

City boss Pep Guardiola took charge of the hosts while Belgium manager Roberto Martinez led the Premier League all-stars

Kompany's former City teammate Mario Balotelli (right) was at the match but did not play — Kompany's former City team-mate Mario Balotelli (right) was at the match but did not play

Earlier in the day, Kompany and Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak unveiled a mosaic at the newly-named Vincent Kompany Crescent at City's training campus — Kompany and Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak unveiled a mosaic at the newly-named Vincent Kompany Crescent at City's training campus

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31 comments

Comment posted by footballfan, at 16:37 12 Sep 2019
Regardless of the praises and people shouting him down. I still think you were brilliant. From an LFC fan
Comment posted by Blue Tamsie, at 16:24 12 Sep 2019
Great Occasion Great Cause Great Player Great Man … the bitters can knock him but the fact is he over come many many injuries to lift the Premier League 4 times in 7 years because he never knew when he was beaten because he rarely was ….
Comment posted by Haz, at 16:41 12 Sep 2019
Captain, leader, legend. Been to all his home games - many stand out moments - outrunning Aubemayang in all out leg race in the League Cup final, surging back to nick the ball off Messi’s toe in Ch L. Wonderful guy, a smart guy and a caring guy. Like any normal City fan, he knows that Scholes still has world class skill if not the legs. Thank you Vinnie !!!
Comment posted by Ruffshank Dufflebonk, at 15:32 12 Sep 2019
Thank you Vincent. Thank you BBC for giving us a positive story on City.
Comment posted by John H, at 17:28 12 Sep 2019
I am not a City supporter but recognize a good player who puts something back into society.More very well paid footballers could do the same.
Comment posted by User0185931207, at 17:02 12 Sep 2019
I hope all those who got in the Etihad for £7 & their kids for free at the weekend WSL opener had the conscience to donate to his charity.

Not a City supporter, but that's not remotely important, as Vincent is a fine player & a fine man.
Comment posted by User0642489991, at 18:53 12 Sep 2019
THANK YOU VINNY FOR FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SOME REALLY SPECIAL GOALS. NEVER FORGOTTEN A TRUE LEGEND.
Comment posted by vince, at 18:29 12 Sep 2019
#20 bit unfair in his prime was a great player and still great reader of the game..and just for your info I believe all the money raised is going to charity and worthy causea I'm sure he was gutted not to play.
Ps this is from a LFC supporter.
Comment posted by lionel lettuce, at 19:47 12 Sep 2019
maritzioyour so salty rag
Comment posted by where are all the PS5s, at 18:49 12 Sep 2019
@20
Looking forward to VVD doing something so charitable for the city he has adopted as his own and has emerged himself into.

Hope we don't have to wait for his testimonial, lets face it he will be well gone by then.
Vinny will always be the better person
Comment posted by User0532541719, at 18:38 12 Sep 2019
So, a story ostensibly about Man City 'legend' and the BBC focus on all the ex-Man United players.

No bias being shown there by the BBC football reporters who can look out of their office windows and gaze lovingly at Old Trafford.

On a positive note, good news about Gary 'Chuckle Brother #1" Neville...
Comment posted by Andy Steen, at 16:31 12 Sep 2019
After watching the game last night it became obviously clear that Michael Carrick is STILL the best midfield player at United!
Comment posted by nelly, at 01:10 13 Sep 2019
How sad are some of you, I am a united supporter, but this guy Kompany has been a model professional at city gaining major accolades throughout his career, yes he had injuries like most. He has done something worthwhile & donated to his charity for homeless in Manchester, pity some overpaid players don’t do the same instead of ripping off the public, they know who they are, champagne Charlie’s!
Comment posted by User0057307358, at 20:02 12 Sep 2019
Can't wait for Andy Carroll's testimonial, bet he's injured for it.
Comment posted by fatcracker, at 17:09 12 Sep 2019
What has Giggs and Gary (nobby) Neville got to do with the testimonial match for Kompany?there was a lot of top players who turned out for the game, HYS for United whenever possible? did Mcnulty or Stone write this?
Comment posted by maritzio, at 19:40 12 Sep 2019
Kompany's testimonial-FACT but the bitter and twisted(we know who they are)
Still complain cos they say ex-UTD players get the headlines?When will the penny drop that city really are a small meaningless club to most people.The fact that so many think Gary Neville getting injured is funny or 'best part of the night' really does show your lack of class and show you for what you are......
Comment posted by deano33, at 18:32 12 Sep 2019
The MUBBC strikes again.Kompany never played for Utd and of all the players on the pitch two ex Utd players are in the main headline, typical of the Utd loving media
Comment posted by Minted Lambert, at 18:50 12 Sep 2019
Kompany misses testimonial through injury! If the script could ever write itself...
Comment posted by maritzio, at 20:02 12 Sep 2019
Hehe nothing I've posted is lies, just FACT. Deal with it wet lettuce. 😂😂
Comment posted by trevwatkinson, at 15:32 12 Sep 2019
What a dull comment