Man City have unveiled the permanent statues of club legends Vincent Kompany and David Silva outside the Etihad Stadium on ahead of Arsenal game on Saturday.
Installed at the east side of Etihad Stadium to celebrate the achievements of both players for the club, the sculptures were created by Scottish figurative sculptor Andy Scott using thousands of welded pieces of galvanised steel in a secret project which began in June of 2020.
“Situated on the east side of the Etihad Stadium, the large scale statues of Kompany and Silva were created by award-winning sculptor Andy Scott and have been constructed using thousands of welded pieces of galvanised steel. At night-time the statues will be specially illuminated with blue tinted lighting”, Man City statement reads.
Manchester City’s Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak commented, saying “Fans at today’s game are among the very first people to see the statues in person and up close, and I hope they provoke memories of the truly magical moments created by both men over 10 years.
“Andy’s skill not only captures the strength and athleticism of both David and Vincent, but his contemporary approach, together with his chosen medium of industrial materials, make his work completely in keeping with the DNA of Manchester City.
He also hinted on Man City plan to honour the legacy of Sergio Aguero at the club.
“With work already underway, we are all looking forward to honouring the legacy of Sergio Aguero in the same way next year, giving generations to come the opportunity to be reminded of the era of city football to which all three men were so integral.”
David Silva, who spent 10 years at the club netting 77 times in 436 appearance, said: “Being at City changed my life. I’m proud of what we did together and I feel emotional that it has been recognised like this.
“When I first saw the statue, I felt good, I thought it was like me. This statue really represents the way I like to play, I love the pose the sculptor has chosen. It really reminds me of those times I was on the pitch playing and that moment when I had to find the striker.”
Defender Vincent Kompany who spent 11 seasons at Etihad Stadium, Captaining the first team for 8seasons, said: “I didn’t really expect to be recognised by such a great club in that way. My wife is from Manchester, my kids are born in Manchester, and they go back to a place where they can see something that represents what their Dad has achieved and that is something that I can’t describe.
“The first time I saw the statue I couldn’t believe how big it was, but then again, I’m a big boy, so fair enough! And then especially the pose, for me it means a lot.”