Vincent Kompany will make an emotional return to the Etihad after Burnley were paired with Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Kompany’s Clarets had a last-gasp Connor Roberts goal to thank for a 1-0 win over 10-man Fleetwood as they booked their place in the last eight.
And that narrow victory saw the Championship leaders rewarded with a mouthwatering tie against City, who Kompany won four Premier League titles with during a glittering spell in Manchester.
The Belgian, 36, said: “It’s a double feeling to be honest. My ties are extremely strong with the club and that remains.
“The kids will have a tough decision to make on the day but it’s one we are looking forward to.
“We’ve got a few games now that are more important — every Championship fixture between that game and now — but it will be a special day.
“For the players, this is an experience and they’ve earned the right to look forward to such a game.”
When City fixtures do not clash with Burnley’s, Kompany regularly takes his children to the Etihad, where his statue stands outside.
A warm reception will await but the former central defender knows his side will be up against it to progress to the semis.
He added: “From my side, I’m really calm about it. I know that past the hugs and high fives there is a machine there that wants to win everything
“We’ll focus first on the Championship games and then give it the right place it deserves.”
While Pep Guardiola’s men will go into their quarter-final as overwhelming favourites later this month, local rivals Manchester United may have their work cut out against Fulham.
The in-form Cottagers booked their place in the last eight on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Leeds, while United came from a goal down to beat West Ham at Old Trafford this evening to put themselves in the hat.
After stunning Tottenham at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United will host fellow Championship side Blackburn.
League Two Grimsby have been rewarded for their giant-killing exploits at Southampton with another trip to a Premier League side, this time in the shape of Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton.
