Kompany: My decision justified

Vincent Kompany insists he has no regrets over his decision to defy Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini by playing for Belgium.

The City captain made a surprise return for his national team in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel during the international break, against the wishes of Pellegrini.

Kompany, who had been sidelined for a month with a calf injury, emerged unscathed from the 3-1 win for the Belgians to secure their passage to France 2016, but was subsequently benched for the Citizens' next two games.

The 29-year-old centre-back made his comeback in the goalless draw at Manchester United on Sunday, with Pellegrini revealing before the derby he was not punishing his skipper for defying orders, and Kompany has left the door open for future club versus country rows.

"For now, the past, and the future, it's always going to be a little bit of a tricky situation," he said.

"They are two very important teams that have different goals and ambitions and it's just normal that stuff like this happens.

"I would not have played if I was not fit. But I'm a professional and I don't need too much explanation. I just deal with it. I dealt with my decision and I didn't have a problem with it.

"I'm a professional. I don't need anyone giving me any explanation. It's fine. I work hard, always. I'm always positive for the team. It's not that, at 29, I need too much explanation any more."