Pep Guardiola admits it will be difficult for Manchester City to replace Vincent Kompany.

The 33-year-old left City after 11 years on Sunday, joining up with former club Anderlecht as a player-manager.

"His spirit has been incredible; he was so important for us in the final weeks of this season," Guardiola said.

"It will be so difficult to replace Vinnie. Everyone has their strengths, but Vincent is special. We will miss him. I will miss him a lot."

Guardiola added: "This club is what it is because of some of our great former players like Mike Summerbee, Tony Book, Francis Lee and Colin Bell.

"But since Sheikh Mansour took over and Khaldoon became chairman, so came a new era of players who helped change this club's destiny.

"Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and David Silva - they are incredible players who helped this club take a huge step forward.

"Vincent helped this club achieve so much before I came and when I arrived here.

"We tried to do it together along with all the other people to try and maintain that position and create new history.

"Of course, I wish him the very best in the next stage of his life, but he is an incredible part of this football club and will remain so forever."