It is a difficulty to watch the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship at home, Belgian international Vincent Komapany, captain of Premier League champions Manchester City, said in an online chat with Tuoi Tre readers on Friday.
“It’s difficult because I wanted to play the European championship with Belgium,” Kompany said.
The defender added that his ambition now is to help his national team qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as Belgium are a good team.
“If we continue like we’re doing now, I think we can surprise everybody at the World Cup in Brazil,” the player said.
Kompany thought England are very organized and efficient but not the favorites when discussing the chances of strong teams at the upcoming European tournament.
“I think Spain is the strongest team,” the Belgian pointed out.
He believed his teammate Lescott is one the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, and thus deserves a place in England’s starting line-up.
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo should be one of the top players of the competition if he continues as he played in the last season, the international said.
Speaking of his club, Kompany said he just wants to win more trophies with Man City in the future.
“We’re a big club, and many players came here to win titles,” according to the Belgian.
Answering a question about racism, Kompany revealed there is hardly any racism in the Premier League whereas he was racially abused in Belgium and when playing against Spanish and Italian clubs in away games.
The 26-year-old star said it was a great experience to see so many people waiting for him at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport when he arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday.
He will be willing to return to Vietnam for a friendly match if there is any invitation for him again, the footballer promised.
Kompany joined Man City in 2008 after two years playing for German club Hamburger SV.
He was named Player of the Season this year by the Professional Footballers' Association, a trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales.