Over the course of his incredible 11 years at the Club, Vinnie’s words always carried special meaning and a deep-held passion for the Club.
Ahead of his departure for a new challenge with Anderlecht, here are just a few of our inspirational Captain’s best quotes from his illustrious career with City:
After signing a new City contract in October 2009: “City’s ambitions are my ambitions and I want to be one of the main players in a very big team.”
After City’s FA Cup final victory over Stoke City in May 2011: “We’ve put a foundation down, we’re going to build a house on it now.”
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Before the crucial Etihad derby, April 2012: “We have to show our belief on the pitch, perform and give everything we have on Monday evening – that is what will be most important – not allowing this moment to pass us by.”
After being laid low with injury setback, December 2015: “I’ve made many sacrifices to get where I am today and football is everything to me. This is what I fought for so hard. I want to be the best defender in the world and I want Manchester City FC and Belgium to become the best club and country in world football. I won’t give up that dream. “My mindset stays unchanged, I will fight to get what I deserve, my best years in football
Celebrating 10 years at City, August 2018: “Every club you sign for, they give you the same pitch. ‘We’ve got a big project, great ambitions, we want to achieve this, we want to achieve that we want to kick on and be a better team. I just happened to be lucky that City was the one club that didn’t lie about it.”
Celebrating 10 years at City, August 2018: “I’ll be connected with City for the rest of my life as a fan, as an employee, as an ambassador whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. Whatever City decides or whatever I decide it’s not something we can undo. We’ve had ten years and ten years at City in the transitions we’ve had is like 30 years at another club. It’s cemented there’s nothing we can do about it, we’re tied to each other for life, my family is from Manchester, my kids are Mancunians. As fans, as whatever capacity, we’ll always be there.”
After our crucial 2-1 win over Liverpool, January 2019: “It (the win) came from our guts, and a desire you can’t describe. The 12th man is more than the fans - it’s something from within and we are a better team when we play with emotions.”
After City’s Carabao Cup triumph, February 2019: “It’s a great feeling and I never take this for granted. So many clubs, teams and players are trying to win these trophies. So to be able to win that many times with City is unbelievable. Wembley is a good venue for us!”
Announcing his decision to leave the Club, May 2019: “I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up.
“Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome.
“I cherish the counsel and leadership of a good human being, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Man City could not be in better hands.”
