Anyone still vaguely tempted to subscribe to that lazy and stupid cliché about footballers just being overpaid idiots should have been at the Savoy the other night when the Football Writers’ Association paid tribute to Vincent Kompany, Manchester City’s legendary former captain. The term ‘role model’ is hackneyed, but if ever it was applicable it would be to Kompany, a true giant among men. Literally too: he is physically immense and would have been a very troubling sight for any marauding centre-forward. He speaks six or seven languages, and was a natural leader on and off the pitch.
In his spare time, he set up the charity Tackle4MCR with the mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, and it has so far helped more than 2,000 homeless people find somewhere to live. He spoke effortlessly and with great charm and dignity about his love for the city and the team, as well as the work of his charity.
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