Vincent Kompany said an emotional goodbye to Manchester City at the end of last season. 

The Belgian's tears at the final whistle of the Everton game in May, his last at the Etihad, signalled what he knew was the end of a stunning career with the club. 

As captain, the centre-back guided City to their first three Premier League titles. 

And in an era when so many players have come, taken their money, and gone again, his dedication to the Citizens was second to none. 

It's only right that he's being honoured with a testimonial this evening. 

City's 'Legends' - if you can call a team featuring Benjani, Costel Pantilimon, and Stephen Ireland that - will be playing against a slightly more glamorous Premier League All-Stars. 

They boast the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Cesc Fabregas, and Thierry Henry. 

But, no matter - this night is all about Kompany. Isn't it? 

Well, as it turns out, he has admitted he won't actually be playing because he's been ruled out through injury. 

"Unfortunately, I won’t be starting tonight or playing," he told reporters. 

"It’s typical of me, I’ve got a slight hamstring injury so I couldn’t risk it tonight but there’s a lot of awesome players.

"It’s a celebration to say goodbye and I don’t have to be on the pitch."

Sounds painfully familiar, doesn't it City fans...

It's disappointing that injuries are once again wreaking havoc with the legendary defender's plans. Had he stayed fit, there's a good chance he'd still be in the north-west of England now, going for another Premier League title. 

Instead, he is playing for boyhood club Anderlecht, with whom he picked up the niggle against Genk in the Belgian Pro League. 

The 33-year-old started the season as Anderlecht's player-manager but resigned to focus on playing following a winless start to the new campaign - their worst in 21 years. 

Despite his diminished role, it's sure to be a special night at the Etihad.