Vincent Kompany always knew he would be back at the Etihad Stadium in the dugouts, but the Manchester City legend insisted he would remain calm about his return with Burnley in the FA Cup.
City beat Bristol City to book an FA Cup quarter-final spot against Championship leaders Burnley, managed by Kompany, marking the first time the Belgian will be back at the Etihad as an opposition manager.
Joking that his children would have split allegiances due to his close ties with City, Kompany warned his players that the tie would be far from easy - while also outlining Burnley's attitude towards the tie.
ALSO READ: City's endless Haaland debate took a new twist this week
"My ties with City are extremely strong and will remain so," Kompany said after Burnley's fifth-round win over Fleetwood, adding that he had been waiting for his return in a professional capacity to City.
"I’ve gone a few times to watch them with the kids. It is not a bad thing to do in Manchester on a Sunday! The kids will now have a tough decision who to support.’
"I know behind the hugs and high fives, Manchester City is a machine that wants to win. It is a place that is so important in my life, I still kick every ball when I watch them. But I represent Burnley now and knew one day I’d go back there in the dug-out.
"I'm the same as they are, what they feel I feel as well. They've got a few decent players and if they're willing to win it's a difficult place to go to."
Expanding on his own split loyalties, Kompany tried to focus on Burnley's Championship promotion push rather than their cup run, with the Clarets 12 points clear at the top and 19 clear of the play-off places with 12 games left to play.
He continued: "It's a double feeling, I've got to be honest. My ties are extremely strong with the club and that remains.
"The kids will have a tough decision to make on the day, but it's also one where you're looking forward to it. I've got a few games now that are more important, which is every Championship game in-between, but in the end it'll be a special day.
"It's an experience for the players and I think they've earned the right to look forward to such a game. It's definitely good for them, but from my side I'm really calm about it.
"I wish them well, I still kick every ball with them whenever I watch them. I represent Burnley, and I'm extremely proud to be at Burnley, but I know the players on a personal level still."
READ NEXT:
