Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany is rejoining Anderlecht as player-manager having left Manchester City after 11 years at the club.
The Belgian centre back will be returning to his homeland to take up the role and kick start the next phase of his career.
Kompany played his final game for City in the FA Cup final win over Watford on Saturday and the shock announcement was made less than 24 hours later.
Kompany, 33, was unveiled by Anderlecht on their Twitter page with a clip featuring the words: ‘The Prince is back’ and ‘he’s coming home’.
His former side were in sixth place going into their final game of the season on Sunday and will hope a returning hero can reverse their fortunes next season.
The veteran defender first joined Anderlecht as a six-year-old and later signed his first professional contract before leaving for Hamburg. He returns having won 10 trophies in 11 years at City.
In the second part of an open letter to fans explaining his departure, he outlined the future.
“For the next 3 years, I will take up the role of Player-Manager of RSC Anderlecht. Belgium’s finest,” he wrote.
“This may come as a surprise to you. It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made.”