Vincent Kompany has officially opened the new Christie at Oldham radiotherapy centre at the Royal Oldham Hospital and revealed that it was an emotional afternoon for him.

The big Belgium international, who met patients and workers at the £17million centre, is known for his own courage on the pitch but his personal experiences led him to salute all he met.

Vincent explained: "My mother Jocelyne and sister Christel both had cancer two and a half years ago. My mother passed away after fighting very hard. Thankfully, my sister was cured.

"Our family had hard moments. They both went through the same treatments at the same time, and I am really happy my sister was lucky enough to have the right therapy to get through it."

Kompany, pictured with patient and City fan David Daly, said: "I have a lot of respect for the people I've seen today and those helping cancer patients. I know how difficult it is to get through this because of the cases in my family.

"It has really meant a lot to me open the new unit, and nobody could have more respect and admiration for the people who have been through this."

Vincent added that he was proud to be chosen to open the first of a planned network of Christie radiotherapy centres in the north-west, meaning patients will not automatically have to travel to the Christie Hospital in south Manchester for treatment.