City skipper defends decision

MANCHESTER City skipper Vincent Kompany has no regrets about going against his manager’s wishes and playing for Belgium against Israel.

Prior to Sunday’s 0–0 draw against Manchester United, City boss Manuel Pellegrini had left Kompany out of his starting line–up for two matches. The Chilean was unhappy with the centre–back - and Belgium coach Marc Wilmots - for fielding the player in a Euro 2016 qualifier even though the hosts had already secured qualification.

“It’s always going to be a little bit of a tricky situation,” Kompany said. “City and Belgium are two very important teams that have different goals and ambitions and it’s just normal that stuff like this happens.

“I wouldn’t have played if I wasn’t fit. But I’m a professional and I don’t need too much explanation. I just deal with it. I dealt with my decision and I didn’t have a problem with it.”