Kompany proud of beautiful story

Originally signed from Hamburg by Mark Hughes as a midfielder who could play in defence when required, the 25-year-old has been one of the inspirations behind City's charge to the FA Cup final and increasingly more certain bid to grab a coveted Champions League berth.

Having come so far in such a short period of time, the Belgium international said: "I have made a lot of progress. But I still have a lot more to show and bring to this club. I am definitely looking forward to the future and looking long-term."

Despite his recent training ground bust-up with fiery striker Mario Balotelli, Kompany has been one of the more stable characters at City recently.

He has even taken the captain's armband at times when Carlos Tevez has been injured and Kolo Toure was suspended for his failed drugs test.

And the unqualified support he receives from the City faithful merely confirms his belief that he is at exactly the right place at this stage in his career.

"I have never been embraced as well as I have been here, by the fans and the country in general," he said. "I feel really comfortable here and I am proud to be a part of everything that is happening.

"I take nothing for granted and work hard every day, because I know when it happens, we should all consider ourselves lucky to be able to be part of such a beautiful story."

That story will have its next chapter once City have cemented that coveted top-four spot.

They will be celebrating on Saturday evening if a win at Everton was followed by a Tottenham defeat to lowly Blackpool at White Hart Lane.

Source: PA

Source: PA