Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany not ready to leave despite interest from Barcelona

Belgium and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany revealed that he had almost joined Barcelona in 2008 before signing for Manchester City.

The Belgium international was approached by the Catalan outfit several times this summer according to certain reports. However, the talismanic captain has dismissed any sort of links with Barcelona of late. He says, "I have been close to signing Barca a few times, there were contacts, but recently, officially, I can assure you that there's nothing that I know of."

Reports in Spain suggested that the newly appointed Barcelona manager Luis Enrique had decided to strengthen the defence and Kompany was a subsequent target. However, the 28-year old has poured cold water over the transfer speculations and insists on being happy with the Manchester side.

"I have a contract with Manchester City,” he said. “I like it there a lot, we have won the Premier League. We have a very serious and attractive project. It is not in my plane to leave the club."

Kompany moved to the Etihad from the Bundesliga side Hamburger in the summer of 2008 and since then, has won 5 titles with the English outfit.