Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has revealed that he rejected the opportunity to link up with Manchester United as a youngster to instead focus on his education.
The Belgium international joined the Citizens in 2008 for a fee in the region of £6m, five years after making his debut for Anderlecht at the age of 17.
However, Kompany claims that he could have been wearing the colours of City's rivals this weekend had things panned out differently.
"United asked about me, but I had other priorities at the time," he told The Mirror. "I was studying for my A-levels and my mother made me finish my education before I could concentrate on football.
"But I've got to say that everything has played out perfectly for me in my career. It's a massive honour to be captain of this club and I can tell you that I feel really good.
"I have put my sweat and blood into Manchester City. I'm passionate about the club and I want success as much as the owners."
Kompany has gone on to make over 200 appearances for City, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup in that time.
