From the OS -
Vincent Kompany has signed a new five-year deal that will extend his stay at City by an additional two seasons until 2014.
The fresh agreement should put an end to spurious rumours linking the versatile 23-year-old with a January move to Barcelona.
Kompany has a double reason to celebrate after returning to action as a second half substitute in the 1-1 draw at Wigan yesterday.
“There has been no speculation from my side because I have just signed the new deal but it is the kind of thing you have to get used to when you play for this club now,” shrugged the Belgian international.
“In the end you just don’t pay attention to the speculation. City’s ambitions are my ambitions and I want to be one of the main players in a very big team.
“We are now a mature side now and the big improvements this season have been in mentality and professionalism. That is why we are better than we were last season.
“It is so much more comfortable being in a squad where everyone is giving their all.”
That professionalism was highlighted again at the DW Stadium where, having been reduced to ten men, the Blues held on for a valuable point.
“I didn’t expect just to jump back in because my last game was in May or to be involved in a match where we were down to ten men but I enjoyed it and we stood strong,” he reflected.
“My favourite position is in midfield but I can deliver just as good a job from central defence. Whenever I get the chance to play then I just try to take it.
“We are looking upwards and are stepping in the right direction both on and off the pitch. We are as close as we ever been with our fans as a club which is not always the way when so much money is spent.
“We have a nice way of playing football behind everything we are trying to achieve. It is a compliment to us that everyone wants to beat us.”
Boss Mark Hughes is delighted that Kompany’s future has been secured.
“He has been desperate to get back into action and in fact we have had to hold him back a little since his operation in the summer such was his desire to return to action.
“But that is the kind of lad that he is. He is still only 23-years-old but is so mature in his outlook; that is why I made him captain last season on occasions. He wants to improve, he is ambitious and he is desperate for success. He was one of our most reliable performers last season and it is great that we have been able to secure his services for the next five years. It is another sign of our commitment to young talent. Vincent is a big part of our future.”
Personally think it's great news. Was good to see him back yesterday and the competition he provides, particularly for Lescott and De Jong should make them (especially Lescott) raise their game or be replaced by Vince.
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