Manchester City have unveiled statues of club legends Vincent Kompany and David Silva outside the Etihad Stadium.
Kompany arrived in Manchester from German side Hamburg in 2008, just prior to City’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group, with Silva joining from Valencia two years later.
The duo would go on to play huge roles as City won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups in the 2010s, with the Belgian captaining them on their way to lifting some huge trophies.
They have now been immortalised outside the Etihad by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, who created the statues remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Man City’s official website, Kompany said: “I didn’t really expect to be recognised by such a great club in that way. My wife is from Manchester, my kids are born in Manchester, and they go back to a place where they can see something that represents what their Dad has achieved and that is something that I can’t describe.
“The first time I saw the statue I couldn’t believe how big it was, but then again, I’m a big boy, so fair enough! And then especially the pose, for me it means a lot.”
Silva made 436 appearances for City, scoring 77 goals.
“Being at City changed my life. I’m proud of what we did together and I feel emotional that it has been recognised like this,” said Silva, whose statue captures the midfielder with his foot on the ball and looking up.
“When I first saw the statue, I felt good, I thought it was like me. This statue really represents the way I like to play, I love the pose the sculptor has chosen.
“It really reminds me of those times I was on the pitch playing and that moment when I had to find the striker.”
A third statue – of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero – is set to join the existing two next year.
Here’s what some fans had to say on Twitter about this statues of Kompany and David Silva.
Our pride 💙
— Muskan Pudasainee (@mpudasainee) August 28, 2021
Stunning 💙
— susan (@samjeha) August 28, 2021
a lot better then i thought they were gonna be tbf
— Tyr (@TyrMCFC) August 28, 2021
IT’S BEAUTIFUL 💙💙
— Jack 🍻 (@FplJohnWick) August 28, 2021
things of beauty
— MCFC (@MCFC76681044) August 28, 2021
Legends forever💙🙏🏻
— Jerarudo (@Jerarudo1) August 28, 2021
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