Gary Neville says he would have loved to see Vincent Kompany play for Manchester United.
The Manchester City captain, who led the Blues to an unprecedented treble of domestic trophies, announced that he is leaving the Etihad after 11 trophy-laden years.
Kompany played a key role in the run-in of the club's most successful season in history, scoring the vital goal against Leicester to ensure the race for the Premier League title remained in City's hands on the final day.
The 33-year-old then played 90 minutes in the Blues' FA Cup final rout of Watford - a record-equalling 6-0 scoreline - before confirming on Sunday morning that he will leave the club.
"The time has come for me to go now," the Belgium international said in a statement. "As overwhelming as it is, I feel nothing but gratefulness.
"I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club."
Vincent Kompany leaves Manchester City
Man City fans make transfer demand after Vincent Kompany departure
Tributes flooded in for City's most successful ever captain, and former United captain Neville labelled the centre-back a 'great'.
"I didn't expect that," Neville tweeted at the news that Kompany would leave the Etihad. "Their [sic] are some players you wish played for your club. @VincentKompany was one of them. A great centre back whose influence on and off the pitch was huge."
Neville's fellow Sky Sports pundit, the former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, said Kompany is among the Premier League's greats.
"One of the best CB's [sic] @premierleague has ever seen & one of @ManCity greatest ever players!" he tweeted.
