Manchester City defender, Vincent Kompany, has revealed why he rejected a chance to join Arsenal back in 2006.
Whilst playing for Belgium side, Anderlecht, the centre-back was wanted by The Gunners as well as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, but his agent has revealed that at the time, his client wasn’t ready to a big move abroad.
Instead, Kompany chose to join Bundesliga side, Hamburg, and that is where he spent two years before joining Manchester City in 2008 for just £6million.
In a recent interview, Kompany’s agent admitted that things could have been different for the Belgium international, but fear of a big-move prevented him from joining Arsene Wenger’s side.
He told Sport Voetbal magazine: “I had meetings with Emilio Butragueno at Real Madrid, the club leaders at Barcelona and by Arsene Wenger himself at Arsenal.
“But heading to an absolute top club immediately was not the right solution because Vincent is someone who feels alone in an environment where he is not properly valued.
“Vincent is not a third or fourth choice.
“In Hamburg that was not the case. He was the biggest transfer in the history of the club.
“The basis of his success is his values, both within his family and with his friends. That’s the difference between him and other extremely talented footballers, guys who will never rise to become captain of Manchester City and Belgium.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
