Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany said he ignored calls "not to shoot" from his teammates as he sensationally fired in from long range to earn the English champions a 1-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League.
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With Liverpool having reclaimed the top spot in the standings after their win at Newcastle United on Saturday, City looked nervy as they reached the 70-minute mark at the Etihad without scoring a goal.
Kompany then came to the rescue by arrowing in a stunning strike into the top corner to score his first goal of the season - his first in the EPL from outside the box - to win the match for City.
"Everyone was saying don't shoot but I've not come this far in my career to be told when I can and can't shoot," Kompany told Sky Sports.
"I've had 15 years of top-level midfielders telling me not to shoot but I always told them one day I am going to have a shot from outside the box and I'm going to score a goal."
Few will have expected Kompany to shoot when the ball was laid off to him 30 metres from goal but three touches later the ball was in the net.
"Vinny, I tell you, 'No shoot!"' City striker Sergio Aguero was captured on television telling Kompany after the final whistle.
City manager Pep Guardiola said he was one of those urging his captain not to shoot but praised the impact the Belgian defender has had on the club.
"When he (Kompany) is fit, he is an incredible centre-back. Not just for the goal. He is a leader," the Spanish boss said.
Guardiola also said a new contract for Kompany will be discussed at the end of the season.
"We spoke with him one month ago. We are going to take a beer together (at the end of the season) and decide what is best, especially for the club," he said.
A 14th consecutive league win for City at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday will secure back-to-back titles for the first time in their history - Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day.
"Liverpool play without pressure because they know it is not in their hands," Guardiola said.
"It is easy. We have the pressure... It is in our hands, one more game."
Australian Associated Press