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Exclusive: Manchester City Midfielders Vincent Kompany And Patrick Vieira Confirm Desire To Stay
Jul 22, 2010 7:06:00 PM
By Alex Labidou
NEW YORK -- Despite overcrowding in Manchester City's midfield, both Vincent Kompany and Patrick Vieira affirmed their desire to stay amid the swirl of rumors.
Last year City purchased Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong, following that up with Barcelona's Yaya Toure this year as well as making confirmed bids for James Milner. The addition of multiple full internationls has put a question mark on Vincent Kompany's involvement with the team.
However, the 24-year-old believes that his versatility will make him very effective for the upcoming season. Kompany has played in central defense both on the Belgium national team and on Anderlecht.
"For me, it isn't a question of where I play as long as I can play on the team," Kompany told Goal.com exclusively. "Both center back or midfield positions are equally comfortable for me. Competition is good. It makes me better and makes the team better."
He jokingly added: "Since I’ve been on the club, there have been at least 25 new players and I am still standing."
Kompany was unveiling a rooftop soccer field on top of an elementary school, P.S. 72, in east Harlem with Vieira.
As one of coach Roberto Mancini's favorite players at Inter, Vieira was brought into the team for some stability and winning experience. At 34 years of age, the former Arsenal midfielder is entering the twilight of his career and has been rumored to join MLS given that he vacations in the United States.
Vieira laughed when asked if MLS was in future and said: "No, I don’t know, you never say never. I know that Thierry is very happy to play for the Red Bulls. I wish him all the best."
Alex Labidou, a Goal.com contributor, is based in New York city. Follow him on Twitter @sportslab.
For all the latest transfer news visit Goal.com's Transfer Zone and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Last year City purchased Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong, following that up with Barcelona's Yaya Toure this year as well as making confirmed bids for James Milner. The addition of multiple full internationls has put a question mark on Vincent Kompany's involvement with the team.
However, the 24-year-old believes that his versatility will make him very effective for the upcoming season. Kompany has played in central defense both on the Belgium national team and on Anderlecht.
"For me, it isn't a question of where I play as long as I can play on the team," Kompany told Goal.com exclusively. "Both center back or midfield positions are equally comfortable for me. Competition is good. It makes me better and makes the team better."
He jokingly added: "Since I’ve been on the club, there have been at least 25 new players and I am still standing."
Kompany was unveiling a rooftop soccer field on top of an elementary school, P.S. 72, in east Harlem with Vieira.
As one of coach Roberto Mancini's favorite players at Inter, Vieira was brought into the team for some stability and winning experience. At 34 years of age, the former Arsenal midfielder is entering the twilight of his career and has been rumored to join MLS given that he vacations in the United States.
Vieira laughed when asked if MLS was in future and said: "No, I don’t know, you never say never. I know that Thierry is very happy to play for the Red Bulls. I wish him all the best."
Alex Labidou, a Goal.com contributor, is based in New York city. Follow him on Twitter @sportslab.
For all the latest transfer news visit Goal.com's Transfer Zone and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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