Kompany D-day on Belgium
VINCENT KOMPANY could lead Belgium to World Cup glory – and then retire from international football.
The Manchester City skipper – set to win his 81st cap when the Red Devils face France in Tuesday’s semi-final – is looking to prolong his career at club level after being sidelined by a series of injuries.
He has angered former City managers Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, as well as current boss Pep Guardiola, by returning from duty with his country carrying injuries.
Kompany has one year left on his contract and will use next season to prove to Guardiola that he deserves an extension.
But that would mean him concentrating his efforts fully on his club as they look to defend the Premier League trophy.
Kompany will announce his decision at the end of the tournament.
If Belgium triumph in Russia, then lifting the World Cup would be the perfect way to bow out.
But if they fall short, he may find it hard to resist leading his nation’s golden generation into the Euros.
The second option would put the 32-year-old’s future at the Etihad in the balance.
City have been weighing up a £50million move for Ajax teenager Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
But they are waiting until Kompany confirms what his plans are with Belgium.
City striker Sergio Aguero has told Argentina that he intends to continue to make himself available, despite his fallout with coach Jorge Sampaoli during the World Cup.