Very few goals in Premier League history carry the same legendary status as Sergio Aguero’s dramatic strike against QPR in 2012.
The Argentine forward scored deep in injury time on the season’s last matchday, pulling off a miraculous comeback for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium to claim their inaugural title of the Premier League era.
Fourteen top-flight campaigns have gone by since that historic day, and though Aguero retired from professional football five years ago, the memory of that goal remains crystal clear to him.
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Aguero reflects on the historic goal that reshaped Manchester City’s future
Following a crucial victory over Manchester United the week before, City entered the final matchday of that season aware that a win against QPR would secure the crown. However, the drama that unfolded was far more intense than any City supporter could have anticipated.
“Once we got past Manchester United, we approached our final fixture knowing that a home victory over QPR would crown us champions,” Aguero shares with FourFourTwo.
“But in the second half, we fell behind 2-1. At that point, your mind goes blank. You start believing the title is slipping away. Even so, we kept pushing until the final whistle. When Edin Dzeko equalized to make it 2-2 in the 92nd minute, I thought, ‘Perhaps I can find a way to get one more’.”
What followed remains one of the most legendary chapters in the history of English football.
“I decided to pull back to collect the pass from Nigel de Jong, intending to execute a quick return pass with Mario Balotelli,” Aguero explains. “The play was already formulated in my mind—I had envisioned it beforehand, trying to find a path to score.
“Prior to that sequence, I told Mario that I would seek him out and feed him the ball so he could lay it back to assist me. Fortunately, the strategy we discussed functioned flawlessly—it resulted in a picture-perfect sequence. I completed the pass and move with Mario, found the back of the net, and we secured the championship.
“Instances like that remain etched in your mind forever—it is a milestone I will cherish for the rest of my days. Now that I am retired and realize just how highly that championship is appreciated, revisiting it always brings back wonderful feelings.”
For Aguero, the weight of that historic moment has only magnified over time, and he marks the anniversary every single year.
“It is incredibly heartwarming that the supporters still follow my life and show me the same affection they did during my playing days. I believe they were pleased with my contributions across those ten years, the multiple trophies we won, and naturally, that strike against QPR, which holds such a vital place in the club’s history.
“Now that I am no longer on the pitch, as the years roll on, every 13th of May—the anniversary of that strike against QPR—I find myself reliving the experience. They are wonderful memories, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Sergio Aguero acted as a representative for FIFA Hospitality during this summer’s World Cup tournament
