Vincent Kompany is looking forward to an emotional return to Manchester City after a late Connor Roberts goal put Championship leaders Burnley into the last eight of the FA Cup for the first time in 20 years.
A few minutes after snatching a 1-0 win over Fleetwood at Turf Moor, the quarter-final draw handed Burnley a match-up against Kompany’s old boss Pep Guardiola and a club he captained to four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
“It’s a double feeling to be honest,” Kompany said. “My ties are extremely strong with the club and that remains. The kids will have a tough decision to make on the day but it’s one we are looking forward to.
“I know behind the hugs and high fives, Manchester City is a machine that wants to win. It is a place that is so important in my life, I still kick every ball when I watch them. But I represent Burnley now and knew one day I’d go back there in the dug-out.
“I’m the same as they are, what they feel I feel as well. They’ve got a few decent players and if they’re willing to win it’s a difficult place to go to.”
Expanding on his own split loyalties, Kompany tried to focus on Burnley’s Championship promotion push rather than their cup run, with the Clarets 12 points clear at the top and 19 clear of the play-off places with 12 games left to play.
He continued: “It’s a double feeling, I’ve got to be honest. My ties are extremely strong with the club and that remains.
“The kids will have a tough decision to make on the day, but it’s also one where you’re looking forward to it. I’ve got a few games now that are more important, which is every Championship game in-between, but in the end it’ll be a special day.
“It’s an experience for the players and I think they’ve earned the right to look forward to such a game. It’s definitely good for them, but from my side I’m really calm about it.
“I wish them well, I still kick every ball with them whenever I watch them. I represent Burnley, and I’m extremely proud to be at Burnley, but I know the players on a personal level still.”
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