After the Champions had rounded off their final home Premier League assignment of the season with a fine 3-1 win over Brighton, the Club staged a special ceremony on the pitch straight afterwards in honour of the Ivorian who is leaving City this summer after eight hugely successful years.
Yaya’s brother Kolo was the special surprise guest, presenting Yaya with a framed shirt denoting his 316 appearances for City as well as presenting him with lifetime season card and a special mosaic mural depicting his FA Cup final winner against Stoke in 2011.
And in summing up the 34-year-old’s contribution since joining City from Barcelona, both Kolo and Kompany were unanimous in describing Yaya as a true Club legend.
“If anyone is going to be a legend at this Club, it’s this man,” said Kompany.
“I just want to say thank you to Yaya. Thank you for being a wonderful team-mate both in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“I also just want to remind everyone about the big moments Yaya has produced for this club.
“The 2011 FA Cup semi-final v United – Yaya.
“The 2011 FA Cup final v Stoke – Yaya
“The crucial League game at Newcastle in 2012 – two goals Yaya
“The crucial League game at Crystal Palace in 2014 – Yaya
“League Cup final v Sunderland in 2014 – Yaya
“League Cup final v Liverpool in 2016 – Yaya penalty.
For his part, Kolo, who played alongside his brother for three years at City, was also in no doubt as to his incredible impact at the Club.
“I told Yaya that when he left Barcelona he had to come to City,” Kolo revealed.
“I knew he could become a leader and a legend here and he has and I am very proud of him.”
