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Vincent Kompany says he's not retiring as Pep Guardiola reveals they'll discuss his Manchester City future 'over a beer'

James Ducker

Pep Guardiola has said he will sit down with Vincent Kompany at the end of the season to decide his future “over a beer”.

The Manchester City captain is out of contract at the end of next month but, while he insisted he would not be retiring, the 33 year-old admitted he was uncertain about what next season would hold for him.

Kompany cut an emotional figure at the final whistle, after his extraordinary 30-yard strike against Leicester secured a precious 1-0 win, and was joined by his three children on a lap of honour after the game when the defender struggled to hold back his tears.

It had more than a whiff of a farewell as Kompany - who has been dogged by injuries in recent years - waved to the crowd while his City team-mates followed behind, but Guardiola said they would discuss the best way forward together once the season is over. Kompany’s testimonial is due to take place in August, although it remains to be seen if his 11-year playing career with the club is extended to a 12th season.

“We spoke with him and his agent,” Guardiola said. “At the end of the season we are going to talk to him, clearly. He is an incredible human being and he has helped me a lot. Always I was sad I could not use him too much but we have always known we could count on him for his personality. This club is what it is because of people like Vincent. At the end of the season, after the FA Cup final, we will decide the best for both parties.”

Pressed on whether he wanted Kompany in his squad next season, the City manager added: “I said at the end of the season we are going to talk to him.

“Finish the season and after we are going to talk. We spoke with him three weeks ago, one month ago. We spoke fluently two or three times. We are going to take a beer together and decide what is best - especially for him and for the club.”

Guardiola’s remarks raised the prospect of Kompany parting company with City this summer and the Belgian admitted himself that he did not know what would happen, despite insisting he would not retire.

Asked about his future: “I do not know at this point. [I’m] absolutely not [retiring]. I am going to play. Nothing is written in stone. I play every game in my career as if it’s the last game of my career.”

Kompany said he was being urged by team-mates not to shoot before unleashing his unstoppable drive past Kasper Schmeichel, the Leicester goalkeeper - his first goal of the campaign. It was also his first shot on target from outside the box since 2013 and as potentially significant as his header against Manchester United in April 2012 en route to City winning their first Premier League title.

“Everyone was saying don’t shoot but I’ve not come this far in my career to be told when I can and can’t shoot. I’ve had 15 years of top-level midfielders telling me not to shoot but I always told them one day I am going to have a shot from outside the box and I’m going to score a goal.

“It’s not about the amount of goals you score it’s about when you score them. Today it was necessary. From the very start we had the right intensity to try and win this game. Kasper made some important saves and only I could beat him on a day like today! I'm just trying to contribute and today we went one step closer.

“We were putting pressure on, upping the tempo but found the last pass difficult. They defended really well and it was going to take something special. I'm really happy for the team. This club, it's part of how we have been successful to have goals like this, moments like this. We always believe that we have a chance and can play for the last second.

“Every step in the last four months was significant. Liverpool keep making the steps and now we have a final to play in Brighton, Nothing is won yet.”

Guardiola said all the pressure has been on City as it was their title to lose, not Liverpool's. “Liverpool play without pressure because they know it is not in their hands. It is easy. We have the pressure,” he said.

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