Outgoing captain Vincent Kompany said goodbye to Manchester City's fans during the club's trophy parade on Monday night - admitting he knew he had to leave to go out on top.
Kompany announced on Sunday that after 11 trophy-laden years at the Etihad he is leaving the club.
Despite City chiefs desperate attempts to keep the 33-year-old within the City Football Group, Kompany has agreed to return to boyhood club Anderlecht, where he will be player-manager.
“First I want to say thank you to everyone," began Kompany. "11 years at this club what a journey we’ve been on.
“Let’s be honest we were always a great club whether we had silverware or not.
Manchester City parade sees stars celebrate historic Treble success on open-top bus
"Now we’ve got silverware and I’m really proud that with this group of players we’ve given you something that was coming for a long time.
“I’ve been part of something really special thanks to a special group of people.”
The Belgian revealed that his astonishing winner against Leicester City in City’s penultimate Premier League match was the moment he knew he had to walk away.
Pep Guardiola's touching tribute during Manchester City trophy parade
“The moment that ball against Leicester went top bins I knew I was done. I couldn’t do better.
“I felt right. This team is ready to achieve something more.
Man City must learn from arrogance that led to Man Utd downfall to stay top dogs
“I’ve given everything. I’ve got nothing left. I’m proud of that. You know in this city that’s what kept me alive.
"People respect somebody going down and getting back up every time. I’ve done that.”
Have Man City smashed the Premier League trophy? True story behind social media video
And outside Manchester Cathedral, alongside his City teammates, Kompany ended by declaring: "I’ll finish on this. You are the best club in the world. I do not care if you win the Champions League or not, you are the best club in the world. Remember it forever.
"These guys deserve all your love, every day of the week, every day, every single year, they work hard.
"This is how I want to leave. I want to say thank you, I love you all.”
