Vincent Kompany hands Manchester City a huge boost by revealing his intention to quit international football next summer
Vincent Kompany has handed Manchester City a huge boost - by declaring his intention to quit international duty next summer.
The City and Belgium captain has been sidelined by dozens of separate injuries in recent seasons, missing over two years of action.
Kompany, under contract at the Etihad until 2019, has now said he will retire from the Red Devils side after the World Cup finals.
That will enable the 72-cap defender to focus his energies entirely on Pep Guardiola's side, and reduce his risks of injury and fatigue.
Kompany joined City from Hamburg in 2008. The 31-year-old has since led them to two Premier League titles. the FA Cup and two League Cups.
The centre-back said: "I am certainly not going to stop playing football after the World Cup - but it is highly likely that I will then retire from the national team.
"Their people are aware of this. I have done all I can for years to remain fit, and to always come back after injuries.
"I don't want to make things sound more heroic than they are, but any sportsman will confirm just how hard it is to do this.
"The more matches I play, the more I am away from home and the more I put my body under pressure, the less chance I have of continuing to play football in good health.
"I love playing for Belgium. But if I feel I have to make the decision to retire for the sake of my body, then I will make it without thinking twice.
"And I will still have had a terrific career with the national team to look back upon."
Belgium became the first European nation to qualify for next summer's finals in Russia, where they will be among the favourites.
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