Kompany eyes further glory

12 May 2014 19:01

Captain Vincent Kompany promised supporters more silverware as Manchester City took to the streets to parade the Barclays Premier League trophy and Capital One Cup.

Thousands of supporters filled Manchester's Albert Square and then lined surrounding streets as the team began an open-top bus tour from outside the town hall.

Fans relived City's season of glory, which was completed on Sunday as the side beat West Ham to clinch the title, thanks to big-screen replays before players addressed the crowd and then boarded the bus.

Kompany, who scored the second goal in the 2-0 win over the Hammers, said: "This is a team that is growing and we have done it in style.

"Everyone keeps saying, 'They have won the league and they have done it in style'.

"That is what I like about it. That is what I want us to do again in future, keep winning in style."

Asked by the event compere if more trophies would follow, the influential defender added: "Has to be more, always more."

City's title hopes took a knock last month as they lost at rivals Liverpool and were then held to a draw by Sunderland.

Their fate fell out of their own hands but they seized on a slip-up by Liverpool to finish strongly and supplant their rivals Manchester United as champions for the second time in three seasons.

Kompany said: "We never gave up, we always believe.

"Together we did it, we knew we could, and until the end we fought and we brought the Premier League back to the city, and in the colours it should always be."

Playmaker Samir Nasri, who opened the scoring in the final game, paid tribute to the influence of manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini has impressed in his first season in English football after taking over from the sacked Roberto Mancini last summer.

Asked what the main differences were from last year's team, when City finished runners-up in the league and FA Cup, Nasri said: "Do you want me to be honest? The atmosphere, the manager and the confidence. That is the difference between last year and this year."

Elaborating on what Pellegrini had brought to the club, Nasri said: "He trusts the players. The philosophy we played all season is just about all the quality we have in this team, that is the big difference."

Goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was named in the England squad for this summer's World Cup earlier in the day, also spoke to the crowd.

Hart was asked about the spell last autumn when he was dropped from the side after a period of bad form.

The 27-year-old said: "It has been a good season, a tough season, but one I have enjoyed.

"It was difficult for me personally but the beauty of this team is that we have got people who can fill in at any time.

"Costel (Pantilimon) was absolutely fantastic when he played, I got taken out of the team.

"He's been brilliant, a pleasure to work with, the same as Richard Wright, and Xabi (Mancisidor) has come in and been a great coach.

"As a goalkeeping unit we are really blessed at this club and I am proud to be part of it."

The bus tour set off down Peter Street and Deansgate before heading for Exchange Square, where a large crowd had also gathered.

Weather for the event was good with blue sky and sunshine.

After completing the celebrations, the team were due to fly out to Abu Dhabi, homeland of club owner Sheikh Mansour, for a short post-season tour.

Source: PA