Vincent Kompany has revealed he's been playing injured at Manchester City over fears he could be replaced by another big-name signing.

The Belgium defender said: "For three months I needed injections before and during the game because of a foot injury. I even had to modify my boot.

"You don't play injured to be praised but because you believe in the club and the team spirit. There have been lots of rumours this year but it has not affected us. When you're playing for City you realise there are 55 players being linked with the club - but you also know that there are only 11 places in the team.

"To be honest, you just have to laugh about it in the end.

"We don't just want big names, though, we want players who come in and make the team better. I trust the manager's judgment to bring the right people in.

Connection "I will only be happy at City when we are winning the big prizes. When I retire from the game, I don't want to have any regrets about trophies I missed out on.

"I'm thinking long term at City, where I have a good connection with the fans. If I'd been at a club with no ambition then I wouldn't have stayed - it's not the case here.

"This is a club with big ambitions - and those ambitions match my goals."