RIO FERDINAND revealed he can’t hate Sergio Aguero despite the departing Manchester City star crushing Manchester United’s title dreams in 2012 with that legendary goal.
Aguero’s last-gasp winner against QPR in the final seconds of the Premier League season broke the Red Devils’ hearts and snatched the title from their grasp.
City announced Aguero will leave the club after a decade when his contract expires at the end of the season and Ferdinand took to Instagram to share his thoughts.
The BT Sport pundit revealed he is still haunted by the goal that gave noisy neighbours City their first ever Prem title – with United thinking they had done enough after winning their last game.
Ferdinand wrote: “Agueroooooooooooo.
“This name, this goal, this moment still hits me at times when I least expect it like a bolt out the blue!
“Our closest rivals just across the city, snatching the PL title from out of our hands – bearing in mind our game had just finished and we had won our game…
“What was the score in City’s game…they need a goal with seconds to go….surely we have won…I think we have done it…..then….Agueroooooooooo.
“Absolutely floored, distraught, devastated….a whole season demolished in the final seconds of the last game.
“What I will say is that as much as I hated the outcome I never hated (or disliked) Sergio for his moment – like I thought I would.”
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The former England defender remarked how his respect for Aguero, the Argentine’s humility and his standing as one of the Prem’s best ever strikers makes him hard to dislike.
He added: “Why?? I think how humble & chilled he seems plays a big part but as much or more is how much I respect him as a footballer.
“He is one of the hardest strikers I have ever marked. So elusive, so quick, strong, two feet capable of hitting the ball cleanly with, great movement and a clear belief that he will score that seeps out through his paws! (sic)
“When a striker can face you up and comfortably go both ways (left or right) it’s a BIG problem for a defender.
I think how humble & chilled he seems plays a big part but as much or more is how much I respect him as a footballer.”
Rio Ferdinand
“He was direct once he had the ball and and his 1st thought was how do I get a yard to create space to shoot – so as a defender he always had you on the edge and you had to have total concentration to make sure you knew where he was at all times.
“Deadly.
“Rivalries put to one side for a moment, Sergio Aguero is one of the best PL strikers of all time no doubts.
“Snatched the PL trophy from under my nose but respect when respect is due!
“Good Luck for the future @kunaguero.”
Aguero, 32, has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona to join up with international pal Lionel Messi.
But he may no longer end up at the Nou Camp with a transfer said to be doubtful over fears surrounding his age and wage demands.
Arsenal are the latest side to enter the fray after reportedly making contact with the player.
Manchester United are also thought to be keen on a move which would see Aguero replicate his compatriot Carlos Tevez by playing for both Manchester sides.
And old side Independiente have even launched a shock bid to bring him home on a free transfer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
