The shirt worn by former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero when he scored the goal that clinched the club’s first league title in 44 years is to be sold at auction next week.
The historic Manchester City No.16 jersey worn the Argentine footballer – who played for the sky blues from 2011-2021 – when he scored the unbelievable winning goal v Queen’s Park Rangers in the fourth minute of extra-time at the Etihad Stadium in 2012 is being auctioned off to raise worthy funds for charity.
The shirt is set to go to auction exactly a decade after the iconic ’93:30′ moment – which has gone down in sporting history as one of the most dramatic winning goals of all time.
Set to be sold by Graham Budd Auctions (GBA), the “iconic” mud and champagne-stained shirt has an estimated guide price of £20,000-£30,000.
Although, experts at GBA expect it could sell for more than £46,000.
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GBA chief executive Adam Gascoigne said the shirt represented “one of the most important pieces in the history of the Premier League”.
The shirt being sold at auction comes after the striker himself – who won 15 major trophies in 10 years with Manchester City, and is the fourth-highest scoring player in Premier League history, with 184 goals in 275 games to his name – recently unveiled a statue marking the tenth anniversary of the goal.
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The enormous striking steel sculpture – which has been created by celebrated artist Andy Scott – has been installed pride of place outside the Etihad Stadium, and was officially unveiled to the public last Friday.
The shirt is being sold by Neville Evans, who owns the National Football Shirt Collection.
Mr Evans said in his Letter of Provenance that the shirt had come to him completely by chance, thanks to the forgetfulness of Aguero’s then-teammate, Mario Balotelli.
He said that when Manchester City’s players returned to the dressing room after being presented with the Premier League trophy on the pitch, Balotelli asked the Argentine for his shirt as a souvenir and Aguero agreed, so the Italian striker put the shirt in his kit bag, alongside a commemorative T-shirt, the shirt he had received in a swap with QPR’s Taye Taiwo and his playing shorts, but “then left the stadium without his bag”.
The shirt was found the following day and sent to the club’s training ground, but Balotelli never claimed it, and so it was gifted to the National Football Shirt Collection.
Mr Evans said he “never had any intention” of selling the shirt previously, but has decided to put it up for auction now as he wanted to support his collection’s curator – who was “requiring ongoing critical medical care”.
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Profits from the shirt sale will to Testicular Cancer UK and the Stroke Association.
The shirt will go under the hammer on Tuesday 24 May, and you can find more information about the listing on the Graham Budd Auctions (GBA) website here.
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
19th May 2022 
