Premier League's day of drama in quotes

13 May 2012 19:17

Arguably the Premier League's greatest season came to a sensational conclusion on Sunday as Manchester City won the title thanks to two stoppage-time strikes in a 3-2 victory over QPR.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Tottenham secured places in the top four, while Bolton were relegated. Here we look at the 10 best quotes from the key figures on a day of drama:

"This is an incredible moment. We wanted this title and we deserve to win this title. I have never seen anything like it. Five minutes from the end I didn't think we could win this game. It was a crazy season and a crazy last few minutes."

- Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on an incredible title triumph.

"I want to say it is the best moment of my life but if I'm honest then I would say please never again this way. Miracles do happen in Manchester. Only this time it's on this side of the road."

- Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany on the nerve-shredding finale.

"When we were losing 2-1 I thought we were going to lose. But right now I'm dreaming and I don't want to wake up. When you believe in yourself you win. We have fantastic players, and for this club it is a great step forward. Europe's next."

- Pablo Zabaleta, scorer of City's first goal, savours a dream finish.

"Nobody expected that. Everybody expected City to win, but they did it against 10 men for half an hour and with five extra minutes to help them. I congratulate City on winning the league. Anybody who wins it deserves it, because it's a long haul. It wasn't our turn today."

- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side won 1-0 at Sunderland but were pipped for the title on goal difference, stunned by City's late victory.

"Harry (Redknapp) told me that United were champions and then I went into the dressing room and someone else told me City were champions."

- Fulham boss Martin Jol sums up the chaos of the closing minutes of the title race.

"That's what makes our league so great. I thought Manchester United had won the title but what happened was just amazing. City have won it so good luck to them."

- Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

"I think when all is said and done we feel aggrieved with what happened today. The decisions have been difficult. The first goal was as clear a foul as you can see. We showed character to come back into the game. But I think the penalty is a soft award."

- Bolton boss Owen Coyle bemoans his team's luck as Wanderers are relegated after a 2-2 draw at Stoke.

"It is no problem and there is no news. I am happy. I have had a great time, the players have been magnificent and I will always remember this time whatever happens. I am very relaxed about it and focused on Saturday's game."

- Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo is coy over his future ahead of the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

"It was an absolutely shocking, woeful display. Maybe some of the boys were thinking about their holidays already. That team needs a change and there will be change. That wasn't an Alex McLeish team. I agree with the fans' frustration about our display."

- Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish at the conclusion of an underwhelming campaign which saw a 2-0 loss at Norwich.

"We will have a chat next week somewhere. You never know but Arsenal is a great club. I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change. We will see. We will have a chat and go from there."

- Arsenal striker Robin van Persie on his future.

Source: AFP