Vincent Kompany’s wonder goal could win Manchester City the Premier League - and help the city’s homeless.
The Blues captain’s amazing 30-yard shot against Leicester City on Monday has been depicted in a t-shirt, which will help to raise funds for his Tackle4Mcr charity.
Artist Don Grant was inspired by the goal and painted his own impression of the shot, along with the word 'Don’t Shoot! No, Vinny, no!' - which City boss Pep Guardiola admitted was going through his head as the defender prepared to let fly.
Don’s t-shirts will go on sale on his Altrincham market stall.
Kompany loved the t-shirt, which he saw as he visited the Supporting People in Need (SPIN) centre in Ardwick, which offers homeless people a bed for the night - and the support they need to try to solve the problems which have led to a life on the streets.
Kompany decided he wanted all money raised from his testimonial year to help mayor Andy Burnham’s drive to eradicate homelessness.
He has raised around £250,000 so far. A fundraising match in September is expected to be a major boost.
Read more of today's top stories
Kompany visited the centre to see first-hand how the money is being spent. He said it was the perfect way to take his mind off Sunday, when City can wrap up the league title with a win at Brighton.
“Visiting places like this make it come to life, makes it feel real,” he said.
“Doing something like this two days before a big game helps me. It gives an order to the priorities of life.
“You can add more pressure to a game than there already is. These things let me take a mental break and worry about people other than myself.
“We help to raise funds and awareness, and play a role in making sure the people who do the work on the ground are enabled. It’s a continuous effort, you never feel like you are reaching a finish line.
“We have come to see SPIN, to see how this type of project helps people in their everyday lives.
“People tend to look at homeless people and think there’s a reason for it, whether it’s alcohol, or drugs, or whatever. We make wrong analyses because sometimes it’s as simple as bad luck or maybe too much pride.
“You’re on the street for one night, two nights and before you know it, that’s your life.
“I met a homeless guy called Keith who explained the challenges of getting off the streets. You need a support team.
"Beds is the minimum we are trying to provide – that had to be sorted, because we couldn’t have a situation where there were not enough beds. It’s not acceptable.
“Once you’ve done that, it’s about support and there’s still a big job to do. Once you’ve got people off the streets, it’s about keeping them off permanently and that’s about job opportunities, medical care and so on.
"It’s a big job but we have to tick all the boxes.”
