So, who better to celebrate that with than the Club legend whose famous 93:20 goal cemented the historic 2012 title — Sergio Aguero?
Six Official Supporters Club members got to do just that at the Pele Soccer Shop in Miami Beach on Sunday 21 May.
There, Aguero appeared for a private meet-and-greet to celebrate the Club’s new PUMA Football home kit for 2023/24.
While the shop broadcast City’s home match against Chelsea, lucky supporters enjoyed one-on-one time for autographs, casual conversations, and photos with the Argentine, celebrating the Club’s guard of honor and trophy lift.
Invited by the Club, the members of South Florida Sky Blues traveled from throughout the region for this rare opportunity, which kicked off at 09:30 local time.
Stephen Lewis started the branch of the Official Supporters Club, based at the Lion and Eagle Pub in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2017.
Raised as a City supporter for more than 30 years thanks to family connections, he said Aguero’s 93:20 goal changed his life, and the growing crowds who were then gathering unofficially to watch City.
“When that great man made that beautiful goal, that changed everything,” he said.
“More and more people started showing up, so we became official in 2017, and it’s been all uphill since!”
Lewis brought his 10-year-old son, Sawyer, along to meet Aguero.
“I thought it was so cool to meet him, and I’m going to make sure to get the jersey he signed hanging up in my room,” Sawyer added.
Bringing his son to meet Aguero brought part of his life full circle, Lewis said, as Sawyer was born shortly after the striker’s historic goal — which, coincidentally, fell on Mother’s Day in the US that year!
“That day was May 13, 2012, and my son wasn’t born yet — in fact he actually shares his birthday with Sergio Aguero, June 7,” Lewis said.
“That day, that goal, I was missing out on a brunch with my soon-to-be-wife, who was going to be a mother! I’m both glad and sorry that I did — she’s forgiven me, thankfully!
“But to now meet the guy who brought me to tears on that day is truly special.”
South Florida Sky Blues member Hugo Rueda said he at first couldn’t believe the opportunity.
“When Stephen first reached out to me, I was in awe. I was literally sitting at home with my wife, and she asked what was wrong., “ he recalled.
“I was like, ‘I’m about to meet one of my heroes, and I can’t believe it.
“I was shaking as I walked up to the table, honestly, and when I felt his hand, I was like: ‘Oh, wow, this is awesome’.”
Lisa Patterson drove almost 60 miles from Palm Beach County, to the north of Miami, as soon as she heard she could attend.
“It didn’t matter what time it was, what day it was, I was going to be here, no matter what,” she said.
“The best perk of being a member is definitely things like this — getting the opportunity to meet players, or when they come to town and play, you always have an opportunity to go see them and watch matches.”
Catalina Bolivar joined the local Supporters Club branch as soon as it became official, but has been gathering with Lewis and others to watch City matches for more than a decade.
She said meeting Aguero him was the cherry on top to celebrating years of true friendships she’s made as a Supporters Club member.
“It was amazing to meet Sergio, he’s super nice! He’s humble, and I’ve always loved him,” she said.
“I was a fan of his even before he came to City, and I’m thrilled he basically capped off his career with the club.”
Colin Adams said he couldn’t believe his luck when he found a local Supporters Club through the City website, and that he could enjoy such lucky experiences through it.
Raised in South Florida by English expats, he pointed out that Colin Bell is his namesake — and as a lifelong Blue, staying connected to the Club from the US has helped him stay connected with his heritage.
He said: “When I was a kid in South Florida, football wasn’t even a thing here.
“My father drove a blue Firebird with Man City on his license plate back in the 1970s and 1980s.
“It’s overwhelming to see the popularity of the Club here after going through the hard times.
“When my father passed away in 1999, we were being relegated. He’d be going nuts right now!”
If you’re interested in joining or creating an Official Supporters Club, you can register your interest here ahead of the 2023/24 season.
