Vincent Kompany talks up "special" Manchester City return ahead of Burnley FA Cup tie

The 36-year-old is preparing to return to the blue side of Manchester for the first time since ending his illustrious 11-year playing career with the Citizens in the summer of 2019.

Kompany signed for Man City back in 2008 and went on to win a total of 12 trophies including four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups and two FA Cups.

The former Belgium defender made 360 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, and his legacy with the club is now recognised with a statue of himself outside the Etihad Stadium.

Since leaving City, Kompany has stepped into management - spending two years with Anderlecht before leaving in June 2022 to join Burnley, who have transformed under his tutelage in the Championship this season.

The Clarets currently sit 13 points clear at the top of the second-tier standings and they require just nine points from a possible 27 available to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Kompany and co now shift their focus away from Championship duties to the FA Cup, with Burnley seeking to cause an upset against reigning Premier League champions Man City as they bid to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since 1973-74.

Kompany has admitted that he has "mixed feelings" ahead of his return to the Etihad Stadium which holds a "special" place in his heart.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Kompany said: "It's mixed feelings because the last time I was there was the famous Leicester game at home. I am coming as the opponent and I think everyone at Burnley football club is looking forward to going to the Etihad tomorrow.

"It's undeniable, it's a club with a special place in our hearts but on the day, we can move past it. I will appreciate what it means to coach there and bring a team there that can hopefully do the fans proud.

"Past the emotion for me, it is an event for the club and for the club to enjoy their day, hopefully. It's the first time for me so it is different, but my mindset is to do my job and be prepared.

"The core message for us is to go out and work hard. I don't think you can do anything other than give the one per cent extra to the team, that's it. I am grateful for every moment I experienced at Man City but I will approach it in the same way to do my job and live for that."

Kompany has expressed his admiration for the FA Cup, which was the first trophy he lifted in English football during his time with Man City, captaining the Citizens in a 1-0 Wembley triumph against Stoke City in 2011.

"The FA Cup was my first trophy in English football, and I remember the very first time we won it we celebrated like we won the league," the Belgian added.

"There were some crazy scenes. This trophy has always meant more than any other domestic cup competition. It is harder to win it.

"Being in the quarter-finals is an achievement and to have a chance to compete. I feel like it's harder to win than others and to be in the quarter-final is a big achievement for us as a club and to have a chance to compete at that level."

Pep Guardiola, who managed Kompany for three years between 2016 and 2019, has labelled the former City defender as one of the "biggest legends" he has ever worked with ahead of his return to the Etihad on Saturday.