Manchester City have unveiled a permanent statue of Sergio Aguero outside the Etihad Stadium, exactly ten years to the day since he scored the goal that secured the club its first-ever Premier League title.
The statue of Aguero is of him celebrating his iconic winner against QPR in the famous 3-2 win, in which he scored in second-half stoppage time to secure Roberto Mancini's side the title and deny cross-city rivals Manchester United. City were trailing 2-1 as the contest entered its closing stages, but goals from Edin Dzeko and Aguero sparked unforgettable scenes at the Etihad Stadium.
Unveiled on Friday morning on the east side of the Etihad Stadium, the statue of the Argentinian striker, who was forced to retire last year because of a health condition, has joined the statues of former club captain Vincent Kompany and former midfield maestro David Silva, commemorating a defining and special era for City.
The statue has also been unveiled in a specially-commissioned video to mark the occasion, meaning City supporters across the globe will be able to catch a glimpse of the Etihad Stadium's latest addition. The statue has been created by award-winning sculptor Andy Scott and has been made using thousands of welded pieces of galvanised steel.
The statue was created in Philadelphia, before being transported to Manchester earlier this month. Just like Kompany's and Silva's statues, Aguero's will be illuminated at night, meaning it will not be missed.
Aguero, who will always be remembered for the goal that secured City the title in 2012, will go down as one of City's greatest players. He is their all-time record goalscorer with 260 to his name.
On the statue being unveiled, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Sergio Aguero's contribution to Manchester City in a defining era for the club cannot be overstated. He is without doubt one of the greatest players that has ever played the game.
"When our fans think of Sergio, they are immediately drawn to the iconic moment of 93:20 and the goal that secured the club's first league title in 44 years, but as his record of 260 goals for the club demonstrates, his legacy and impact at Manchester City go far beyond that. It is only fitting that Sergio has been recognised with a statue of his own, in celebration and honour of his accomplishments in one of the most important chapters of Manchester City’s rich and long history."
Commenting on his own statue, Aguero added: "Truthfully, it is a very beautiful thing for me, to see myself ten years ago is very moving. In those ten years I was able to win a lot of trophies and was able to help the club become one of the most important in the world.
"I am very grateful to the club for making this statue in recognition of my football career in Manchester. It is something very special."
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
