Vincent Kompany has been taken to hospital after collapsing while watching Bayern Munich's second team train on Friday.

Kompany, 40, has been suffering from a viral infection which is said to have caused problems with old scar tissue, leaving him in pain and with difficulties climbing stairs.

BILD report that a 'rescue helicopter' had landed at Bayern's training ground on Friday. The former captain of Manchester City, who won four Premier League titles, later went to hospital in an ambulance and is said to be in a stable condition.

Kompany had collapsed as he watched the club's second string. He had earlier taken training for the first team ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Freiburg on Sunday.

The session was then abandoned, BILD said, with those present said to be 'deeply affected' by the incident.

Bayern said in a statement: 'Vincent Kompany had to seek medical treatment on Friday after collapsing during training for FC Bayern's amateurs. 

'The first-team coach had been watching the second team's session. Kompany will undergo thorough examination in the hospital and remain in medical care. For the time being, his coaching staff will manage training and match operations.'

Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, added: 'The health of Vincent Kompany is our utmost priority. At FC Bayern, we will do everything to ensure he recovers quickly. 

'Vinnie is receiving all necessary medical care and support, as well as all the time he needs. His coaching team, which we fully trust, will take over his duties. All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery.'

After the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, Kompany said: 'As a coach, you always want to do everything and accomplish everything. I caught a pretty nasty virus last week, and of course I didn't listen to my body, and then at some point my body said, "Stop now!"'

Kompany had missed training sessions and a press conference in the build-up to the Arsenal game but was present on the touchline on the night.

He also watched Bayern's previous game, a 6-1 win against RB Leipzig, from the bench but did not conduct interviews afterwards.

The Belgian was captain of Man City during some of their most successful years under Pep Guardiola but was regularly ruled out through injuries.

Kompany moved to Munich in 2024 and has won two Bundesliga titles with England captain Harry Kane as his star player in attack. He has three children with wife Carla, who he met in Manchester.

His viral infection was the talk of the build-up before Wednesday's Champions League match.

Kompany's assistant coach Aaron Danks said on Tuesday: 'It has affected his legs, yes. He has had pain in his legs.

'The most important thing for him now is to rest and I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days' time.

'Getting him to rest is hard. He's a leader. But it's a virus and it's really important that he rests.'

Bayern are top of Germany's Bundesliga after four wins and two draws in their opening six matches. They lie 14th in the Champions League's league phase after a win and two draws.